Philadelphia Pa Local Post Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Local Post) Stamps
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a major city located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Eastern United States. Its postal history is integral to the development of the United States Post Office Department, serving as a crucial hub for early American mail distribution and the site of early postal experimentation. Stamps issued for use in Philadelphia primarily feature English text and denominations in US currency, reflecting its role within the federal postal system. The city's long history as a center of commerce and politics means its postal markings and issues are deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of American postal administration.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1849 – 1856
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Local Post) Stamp Series
Philadelphia Postmaster Provisionals (1849-1851)
Early local stamps issued by the Philadelphia Postmaster before the general issue of U.S. federal stamps.
Philadelphia City Despatch Post (1850-1856)
Stamps issued by a private local post operating within Philadelphia, often for intra-city mail delivery.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Philadelphia local post stamps varies significantly based on condition, specific issue, and rarity. Postmaster Provisionals are generally more valuable than City Despatch Post issues. Cancellations and covers can also greatly impact value.
How to Identify Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'PHILADELPHIA PA' or 'CITY DESPATCH POST' inscriptions.
- 2 Examine the design for specific motifs like eagles or cityscapes, common in early local posts.
- 3 Check for denominations in cents, typically 1c, 2c, or 3c.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Philadelphia Pa stamps?
Philadelphia Pa stamps refer to local post stamps issued in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, primarily between 1849 and 1856. These include Postmaster Provisionals, issued by the local postmaster before federal stamps were widely available, and stamps from private local delivery services like the City Despatch Post.
Are Philadelphia Pa stamps valuable?
Yes, many Philadelphia Pa local post stamps can be quite valuable, especially the Postmaster Provisionals and rare varieties of the City Despatch Post issues. Their value depends heavily on rarity, condition, and whether they are on cover. Common examples might fetch $50-$500, while rare items can exceed $10,000.
How can I identify Philadelphia Pa stamps?
To identify Philadelphia Pa stamps, look for inscriptions like 'PHILADELPHIA PA' or 'CITY DESPATCH POST'. Pay attention to the design, denomination (usually 1c, 2c, or 3c), and printing characteristics. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized catalogs and experts.
Which catalogs list Philadelphia Pa stamps?
Philadelphia Pa local post stamps are primarily listed in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. Other general catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons typically do not cover these highly specialized local issues.
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