Cincinnati Ohio Local Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Post) Stamps
Cincinnati, Ohio, is a major city located in the Midwestern region of the United States, situated along the Ohio River. As part of the United States, its postal history is integrated with the federal postal system, which was established early in the nation's history and later joined the Universal Postal Union. Stamps issued for use in Cincinnati would feature English as the primary language and denominations in US currency, reflecting its status within the American republic. The city's postal administration evolved under the centralized structure of the U.S. Post Office Department, later the U.S. Postal Service.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1854 – 1854
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Post) Stamp Series
Cincinnati Postmaster's Provisional (1854)
A single provisional stamp issued by the Cincinnati postmaster for local use before the general issue of U.S. stamps became widely available or to address specific local postal needs.
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Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Cincinnati Postmaster's Provisional is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of known examples. Its value is highly dependent on condition and provenance, making it a significant philatelic rarity.
How to Identify Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'PAID' and '5 CENTS' within an oval design, often with 'CINCINNATI' at the top.
- 2 These stamps are handstamped, not engraved, and typically found on cover. Forgeries are common, so expert authentication is crucial.
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Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cincinnati Ohio local stamps?
Cincinnati Ohio local stamps refer to a single provisional stamp issued by the postmaster of Cincinnati in 1854. This stamp was created to facilitate local mail delivery before or in conjunction with the official U.S. federal postal system, making it a significant piece of early American postal history.
Are Cincinnati Ohio local stamps valuable?
Yes, Cincinnati Ohio local stamps are extremely valuable. The 1854 Postmaster's Provisional is one of the great rarities of U.S. philately, with very few known examples. Values can range from tens of thousands of dollars, depending on condition and whether it's on cover.
How can I identify Cincinnati Ohio local stamps?
Authentic Cincinnati Ohio local stamps feature a distinctive handstamped design, typically with 'PAID' and '5 CENTS' within an oval, and 'CINCINNATI' at the top. Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is essential. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, but always seek professional verification for such rare items.
Which catalogs list Cincinnati Ohio local stamps?
The Cincinnati Ohio Postmaster's Provisional is listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue under U.S. Postmasters' Provisionals. It is not typically found in European catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, as it is a specific U.S. local issue.
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