Goliad Provisional Stamps
Goliad is a historical region located within the present-day state of Texas, United States, and was not an independent sovereign entity with its own distinct postal administration. Its postal history is therefore intrinsically linked to the broader postal systems of the Republic of Texas and subsequently the United States, reflecting the administrative transitions of the region.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
About Goliad Provisional stamps
Stamps issued for use in this area would primarily feature English text, consistent with the dominant language of the governing postal authorities during its significant historical periods. Any unique postal markings or provisional issues would relate to the turbulent early Texan period before full integration into the U. S. postal network.
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.
- PAID
- PAID 5
How to identify Goliad Provisional stamps
- Look for a handstamped 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' marking, often in red or blue ink, applied to covers (envelopes).
- These are not adhesive stamps but rather postal markings on mail. They are typically found on covers originating from Goliad, Texas, during 1861.
- Authenticity is paramount; expertization is essential due to their rarity and potential for forgery.
Popular series
-
Goliad Provisional Issue
1861
Handstamped provisional stamps issued locally in Goliad, Texas, due to the disruption of postal services at the outbreak of the American Civil War.
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' issues)
- Scarce stamps
- $5,000–$50,000+
Goliad provisional issues are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by specialists in Confederate and Texas postal history. Their value depends heavily on condition, authenticity, and specific handstamp varieties. Most are unique or exist in very small numbers.
Catalogs. Goliad Provisional 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 Goliad Provisional stamps
Goliad 'stamps' refer to rare provisional postal markings used in Goliad, Texas, during 1861. These were not adhesive stamps but handstamped indications of postage paid, applied to mail due to the disruption of regular postal services at the start of the American Civil War. They are a significant part of Confederate and Texas postal history.
Yes, Goliad provisional issues are extremely valuable. They are among the rarest and most historically significant items in U.S. and Confederate postal history. Individual covers bearing these markings can fetch thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition, clarity of the marking, and provenance. Their rarity means there are no 'common' examples.
Goliad provisional issues are identified by specific handstamped markings, typically 'PAID' or 'PAID 5', applied to covers (envelopes) originating from Goliad, Texas, in 1861. These are not adhesive stamps. Due to their extreme rarity and value, expert authentication is crucial. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Goliad provisional issues are primarily listed in specialized catalogs and references for U.S. and Confederate postal history, most notably the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. They are typically found under 'Confederate States of America - Postmasters' Provisionals' or similar sections. They are generally not listed in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons as they are highly specialized local issues.
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