New York Postmasters' Provisional Stamps
New York, situated in the northeastern region of North America, possesses a rich postal history primarily defined by its role within the United States federal postal system. As one of the original thirteen colonies, its postal administration transitioned from British colonial control to independent American management following the Revolution.
- Issued stamps
- 1845–1847
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
History and background
Stamps issued for use within New York overwhelmingly feature English, reflecting the dominant language of the United States, and follow the denominations and regulations established by the U. S. Post Office Department and later the USPS. While New York City served as a major hub for early postal innovation, its stamp issues are generally integrated into the national series rather than representing a distinct regional postal entity.
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.
- NEW YORK
- POST OFFICE
- FIVE CENTS
How to identify them
- Look for the portrait of George Washington in an oval frame, with 'NEW YORK' above and 'POST OFFICE' below, and 'FIVE CENTS' at the bottom.
- These stamps are typically black on various shades of paper, often thin. They are imperforate (no perforations).
Popular series
-
New York Postmasters' Provisional
1845-1847
The iconic 5-cent black stamp, issued by the New York City Postmaster Robert H. Morris, featuring George Washington. These were among the earliest stamps issued in the United States before federal issues.
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' stamps)
- Scarce stamps
- $5,000–$100,000+
New York Postmasters' Provisionals are highly sought after and rare. Even damaged examples command significant prices. The value depends heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties (e.g., plate flaws, paper types).
Catalogs. New York Postmasters' 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 York Postmasters' Provisional stamps
New York Postmasters' Provisional stamps were local postage stamps issued by the postmaster of New York City, Robert H. Morris, between 1845 and 1847. They were created to prepay postage before the first general issue of United States federal stamps in 1847, and are among the most famous and valuable of all U.S. philatelic items.
Yes, New York Postmasters' Provisional stamps are extremely valuable. They are considered classic rarities in U.S. philately, with even common examples fetching thousands of dollars. Rare varieties or exceptionally well-preserved examples can command six-figure sums at auction. Their historical significance and scarcity contribute to their high value.
To identify New York Postmasters' Provisional stamps, look for the distinctive design featuring a portrait of George Washington, the words 'NEW YORK POST OFFICE' and 'FIVE CENTS'. They are imperforate and typically printed in black ink. Due to their value, expert authentication is highly recommended. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
New York Postmasters' Provisional stamps are listed in all major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (as part of the United States section, often under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context.
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