Savannah (Confederate Provisional) Stamps
Savannah is not recognized as a sovereign country with its own postal administration or stamp-issuing authority in standard philatelic geography. As a major historic port city located in the state of Georgia, United States, its postal history falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service (USPS).
- 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
Therefore, stamps issued for use in Savannah feature English text and denominations in US currency, reflecting the broader postal history of the United States.
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
- SAVANNAH GA
- SAVANNAH
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' along with 'SAVANNAH GA' or 'SAVANNAH' in various designs (circular, rectangular, oval).
- Examine the printing method; some are hand-stamped, others lithographed. The lithographed issues often show a more uniform appearance.
- Check for watermarks (though rare) and paper types, as these can differentiate between genuine issues and forgeries or reprints.
- Authenticity is paramount; due to their rarity and value, many fakes exist. Expertization is highly recommended for any significant acquisition.
Popular series
-
Savannah Provisional Issue
1861
These were locally produced stamps issued by the postmaster of Savannah, Georgia, during the early days of the American Civil War, before the Confederate Post Office Department could establish its own postal system. They are hand-stamped or lithographed.
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–$2,000
- Scarce stamps
- $5,000–$20,000+
The value of Savannah provisional stamps varies significantly based on condition, type (hand-stamped vs. lithographed), color, and specific varieties. Covers bearing these stamps are particularly desirable and command higher prices. Forgeries are common, so expert authentication is crucial.
Catalogs. Savannah (Confederate 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 Savannah (Confederate Provisional) stamps
Savannah (Confederate Provisional) stamps are rare local postage stamps issued by the postmaster of Savannah, Georgia, in 1861. They were created to meet postal needs during the initial period of the American Civil War, before the Confederate States of America established its own national postal service. These provisional issues are highly sought after by collectors of Confederate philately.
Yes, Savannah (Confederate Provisional) stamps are generally very valuable due to their rarity, historical significance, and the limited period of their use. Common examples can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars, while rare varieties, especially those on original covers, can command tens of thousands of dollars or more. Their value is heavily dependent on condition, authenticity, and specific type.
To identify Savannah (Confederate Provisional) stamps, look for the city name 'SAVANNAH GA' or 'SAVANNAH' and the denomination 'PAID 5' or simply 'PAID' within various designs, often circular or rectangular. Pay close attention to the printing method (hand-stamped vs. lithographed) and the specific design elements. Due to the prevalence of forgeries, consulting a specialized Confederate catalog and seeking expert authentication is crucial. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Savannah (Confederate Provisional) stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs, including the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (specifically in the Confederate States section), the Michel catalog, and the Stanley Gibbons catalog. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these historically significant issues.
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