Providence (USA Local Post) Stamps
Providence is not recognized as a sovereign country with its own postal administration in standard philatelic catalogs or international geographical databases. Therefore, it lacks a distinct postal history, official stamp issues, or a defined geographical region for cataloging purposes.
- Issued stamps
- 1846–1846
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
History and background
Any postal markings associated with "Providence" would typically relate to the city in Rhode Island, USA, or potentially a historical dependency or short-lived entity whose status is not universally recognized in global postal history.
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.
- PROVIDENCE R.I.
- POST OFFICE
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'PROVIDENCE R.I.' at the top and 'POST OFFICE' at the bottom, surrounding a central design.
- The stamp typically features a portrait, often of George Washington, though variations exist.
- Examine the paper and printing method; these were crudely produced compared to later federal issues.
- Authenticity is paramount; expertization is essential due to rarity and value.
Popular series
-
Providence Postmaster's Provisional
1846
The singular issue from Providence, a provisional stamp issued by the postmaster before the general issue of U.S. stamps.
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+
The Providence Postmaster's Provisional is an extremely rare and highly sought-after philatelic item. Its value depends heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties (e.g., paper type, shade). Only a handful of examples are known to exist.
Catalogs. Providence (USA Local Post) 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 Providence (USA Local Post) stamps
Providence stamps refer to the exceedingly rare 'Postmaster's Provisional' stamp issued in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, in 1846. These were local stamps used before the official issuance of federal U.S. postage stamps.
Yes, Providence Postmaster's Provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare philatelic items in U.S. postal history. Due to their scarcity and historical significance, individual stamps can fetch tens of thousands of dollars or more at auction, depending on their condition and provenance.
Providence stamps are identified by their distinctive design, featuring 'PROVIDENCE R.I.' at the top and 'POST OFFICE' at the bottom, often with a central portrait. Given their rarity and value, authenticating a Providence stamp requires expert philatelic examination. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
The Providence Postmaster's Provisional is listed in specialized U.S. stamp catalogs, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, under the U.S. Postmasters' Provisionals section. It is typically not found in general international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons as a primary listing, but rather within the U.S. section.
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