City Carrier Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About City Carrier Stamps Stamps
City Carrier Stamps are not associated with a single sovereign nation but rather represent a specialized category of postal markings, primarily originating in the United States during the mid-19th century. These provisional issues were used by private carriers operating within specific urban centers, often predating or supplementing official government mail service in areas like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. The stamps typically bear English inscriptions related to the carrier firm or the city of operation, reflecting a period of fragmented and competitive local mail delivery before full federal standardization. Their existence marks a fascinating transition in American postal history where private enterprise filled gaps in the nascent national postal infrastructure.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1842 – 1880
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
City Carrier Stamps stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular City Carrier Stamps Stamp Series
New York City Carrier Stamps (1842-1850s)
Early issues from various private carriers in New York City, often featuring local landmarks or carrier names.
Boston City Carrier Stamps (1840s-1850s)
Stamps from Boston-based carriers, reflecting the competitive postal landscape in the city.
Philadelphia City Carrier Stamps (1840s-1850s)
Issues from private services in Philadelphia, providing local mail delivery before federal consolidation.
City Carrier Stamps Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on rarity, condition, specific carrier, and whether they are on or off cover. Many are quite scarce, especially those from lesser-known carriers or in fine condition.
How to Identify City Carrier Stamps Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying City Carrier Stamps stamps:
- 1 Look for inscriptions like 'City Despatch Post', 'Carrier', or the name of a private firm (e.g., 'Boyd's City Express').
- 2 Examine the design for city-specific motifs or simple typographic layouts.
- 3 Note the absence of 'U.S. Post Office' or similar federal markings, as these were private issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are City Carrier Stamps?
City Carrier Stamps are provisional postal issues used by private mail delivery services operating within specific urban centers in the United States, primarily during the mid-19th century. They filled a gap in mail delivery before the full establishment of a comprehensive federal postal system.
Are City Carrier Stamps valuable?
Yes, many City Carrier Stamps are highly valuable, especially rare issues, those in excellent condition, or those still affixed to their original envelopes (on cover). Common examples can range from $20-$200, while rare varieties can fetch thousands of dollars. Their historical significance and scarcity contribute to their philatelic value.
How can I identify City Carrier Stamps?
To identify City Carrier Stamps, look for names of private carriers or city-specific inscriptions. They often have designs distinct from official government stamps of the era. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a specialized stamp identifier app or consulting a comprehensive catalog like Scott's U.S. Specialized Catalog.
Which catalogs list City Carrier Stamps?
City Carrier Stamps are primarily listed and cataloged in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. Due to their specific U.S. origin and nature, they are generally not found in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons.
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