Boston Stamps
Boston, a major city in the northeastern United States, holds a significant, though localized, place in American postal history, primarily as a key hub for early colonial and revolutionary postal services. While not an independent stamp-issuing entity, its postal administration was central to the development of the early American postal system, predating the establishment of the United States Post Office Department.
- Issued stamps
- None
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
About Boston stamps
Stamps issued for use within the city and region would overwhelmingly feature English text and denominations in US currency following the establishment of the federal postal system. The city’s historical importance is reflected in early colonial postal markings rather than distinct national issues.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- BOSTON
- PAID
How to identify Boston stamps
- Look for 'BOSTON' handstamps or cancellations on early U.S. covers.
- Identify 'Boston Postmaster's Provisional' stamps by their distinctive design and 'PAID' or '5 CENTS' inscriptions.
- Examine local post stamps for specific company names like 'Boyd's City Express Post' or similar Boston-based services.
Popular series
-
Boston Postmaster's Provisional
1845-1847
Early provisional stamps issued by the Boston postmaster before the general issue of U.S. stamps.
-
Boston Penny Post
1840s-1850s
Stamps and postal markings from private local delivery services operating within Boston.
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
- $10–$100
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$50,000+
The value of Boston postal items varies dramatically. Early postmaster's provisionals and rare local post issues can command significant prices, especially if well-preserved or on cover. Common postal markings or later local delivery service items are generally less valuable.
Catalogs. Boston 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 Boston stamps
Boston stamps primarily refer to early postal markings, postmaster's provisionals, and local post stamps issued by private carriers within the city of Boston, predating or supplementing the official U.S. postal system. These are not national issues but rather localized postal artifacts.
Yes, some Boston postal items can be very valuable. Early Boston Postmaster's Provisionals, especially on cover, are highly sought after by collectors. Rare local post stamps and distinctive cancellations can also fetch significant prices, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Common postal markings are generally less valuable.
Identifying Boston postal items involves recognizing specific handstamps, cancellations, and the designs of local post stamps. Look for the city name 'BOSTON' in various forms. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, particularly Volume 1 (U.S. and Possessions), lists Boston Postmaster's Provisionals and some significant local post issues. Specialized catalogs for U.S. local posts and postal history also provide detailed information.
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