New Orleans Provisional Stamps
New Orleans, while a major city, is not a sovereign stamp-issuing entity; however, its postal history is deeply rooted in the North American continent, specifically the Southern United States. As a former French and Spanish colony before becoming part of the United States, its early postal administration reflects these transitions, eventually falling under the U.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Americas, Southern United States
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Confederate States of America
History and background
S. Post Office Department. Stamps issued for use in New Orleans would primarily feature English, though early provisional issues might reflect the city's bilingual heritage. The city's significant role as a major port city meant its postal operations were central to early American postal expansion and international mail exchange.
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.
- POST OFFICE
- NEW ORLEANS
How to identify them
- Look for the 'POST OFFICE' inscription at the top and 'NEW ORLEANS' at the bottom, with the denomination in the center.
- The stamps were issued in 2-cent and 5-cent denominations, typically printed in blue or red-brown.
- Examine the paper and printing method; these were locally produced and often show characteristics of provisional issues.
Popular series
-
New Orleans Provisional Issue
1861
Stamps issued by the New Orleans postmaster during the early days of the American Civil War, before Confederate stamps became widely available. These are highly sought after by collectors.
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
- $100–$500
- Scarce stamps
- $1,000–$10,000+
The New Orleans provisional stamps are considered rare and valuable due to their limited production and historical significance. Condition, cancellations, and specific varieties (e.g., paper type, shade) significantly impact value. Forgeries exist, so expert authentication is crucial.
Catalogs. New Orleans 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 New Orleans Provisional stamps
New Orleans stamps refer to the provisional postage stamps issued by the New Orleans postmaster in 1861, during the early stages of the American Civil War. These were local issues created to maintain postal service after Louisiana seceded from the Union but before the Confederate States of America had their own stamps widely distributed.
Yes, New Orleans provisional stamps are generally quite valuable due to their historical significance, rarity, and limited production. Common examples can fetch hundreds of dollars, while rare varieties or those in exceptional condition can command thousands. Their value is highly dependent on factors like denomination, color, condition, and cancellation.
New Orleans provisional stamps are identifiable by their distinctive design featuring 'POST OFFICE' at the top, 'NEW ORLEANS' at the bottom, and the denomination (2 or 5 cents) in the center. They were typically printed in blue or red-brown. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
The primary catalog for New Orleans provisional stamps is the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, where they are listed under the Confederate States of America or U.S. Locals. Other specialized catalogs focusing on U.S. or Confederate philately may also provide detailed listings.
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