Boscawen Stamps
Boscawen is a historical name associated with territories that were part of British colonial administration in North America, specifically relating to New Hampshire. Postal history in this region falls under the broader context of the British North American postal system before the establishment of the United States.
- Issued stamps
- 1846–1846
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
About Boscawen stamps
Stamps issued for this area would have reflected English language usage and the currency standards of the governing British authority or the subsequent independent American system. The administrative transition from colonial rule to the United States significantly altered the postal framework and subsequent stamp issues for the area now known as Boscawen, New Hampshire.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Boscawen stamps
- Look for 'Boscawen N.H.' or 'Boscawen' handstamped or printed on a stamp-like adhesive.
- These are typically crude, locally produced items, often on colored paper.
- Authentication by an expert is crucial due to extreme rarity and potential for forgeries.
Popular series
-
Boscawen Postmaster's Provisional
1846
A rare local provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Boscawen, New Hampshire, before the general issue of U.S. stamps.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- N/A (no common stamps)
- Scarce stamps
- $10,000–$50,000+
The Boscawen Postmaster's Provisional is exceedingly rare, with only a few known examples. Its value is highly dependent on condition, provenance, and specific variety. There are no 'common' stamps from Boscawen as an independent issuer.
Catalogs. Boscawen stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Boscawen stamps
Boscawen stamps refer to an extremely rare Postmaster's Provisional stamp issued in 1846 by the postmaster of Boscawen, New Hampshire. These were local adhesives used for postage before the first general issue of United States stamps.
Yes, Boscawen Postmaster's Provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare items in U.S. philately. Only a handful of examples are known to exist, and they can fetch tens of thousands of dollars or more at auction, depending on their condition and specific characteristics.
Identifying a genuine Boscawen provisional requires expert knowledge. Key features include the 'Boscawen N.H.' inscription, the specific design, paper type, and cancellation. Due to their rarity and value, authentication by a recognized philatelic expert is essential. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Boscawen Postmaster's Provisional stamps are listed in specialized catalogs such as the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 1, United States). They are typically not found in general international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, as they are a specific U.S. local issue.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.