Mobile, Alabama Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Mobile, a historical port city located on the Gulf of Mexico in the southeastern United States, was briefly the capital of French Louisiana. Its postal history is primarily integrated within the broader framework of the United States Postal Service, though it experienced early independent postal operations during periods of shifting sovereignty.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Confederate States of America
History and background
Stamps issued from this region predominantly feature English, reflecting its long-standing American identity, but earlier issues might show French influence. The city's significance as a major port has influenced its postal traffic throughout the 19th and 20th centuries under U. S. administration.
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
- MOBILE
- PAID 5 CENTS
How to identify them
- Look for 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' handstamps, or typographed designs with 'MOBILE' and 'PAID 5 CENTS'.
- Examine the paper and printing method; genuine provisionals were often crudely produced.
- Authentication by an expert is highly recommended due to the prevalence of forgeries and facsimiles.
Popular series
-
Mobile Postmaster Provisionals
1861
Handstamped or typographed provisional stamps issued by the Mobile postmaster during the early days of the Confederacy, before CSA general issues were available.
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
- $500–$5,000
- Scarce stamps
- $10,000–$100,000+
Mobile Postmaster Provisionals are highly sought after by collectors of Confederate States philately. Their value varies significantly based on type (handstamped vs. typographed), denomination, condition, and especially the presence of covers (envelopes). Genuine examples are rare and often command high prices.
Catalogs. Mobile, Alabama Postmaster 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 Mobile, Alabama Postmaster Provisional stamps
Mobile, Alabama stamps refer to the 'Postmaster Provisionals' issued by the postmaster of Mobile in 1861, at the outset of the American Civil War. These were temporary stamps created to facilitate mail service before the Confederate States of America could issue its own general postage stamps.
Yes, Mobile, Alabama Postmaster Provisionals are considered very valuable, especially genuine examples on cover. Their rarity and historical significance make them highly desirable for collectors of Confederate philately. Prices can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the specific issue, condition, and authentication.
Identifying Mobile, Alabama provisionals involves looking for specific handstamped or typographed designs, typically featuring 'PAID' or 'MOBILE PAID 5 CENTS'. Due to their rarity and the existence of forgeries, 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.
Mobile, Alabama Postmaster Provisionals are primarily listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, specifically within the Confederate States of America section, often under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'. They are not typically found in European catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which focus on different regions.
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