South Carolina Stamps
South Carolina is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States of America. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the development of the U.
- Issued stamps
- None
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- United States
About South Carolina stamps
S. Post Office Department, beginning with colonial postal routes established under British administration before the American Revolution. Stamps issued for use within South Carolina primarily feature English text and denominations in U. S. currency, reflecting its status as one of the original thirteen states. The state's unique history, including its secession and subsequent re-entry into the Union, is reflected in the broader context of U. S. federal postal administration.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify South Carolina stamps
- Look for 'Post Office' or city names like 'Charleston' on early provisional issues.
- Stamps used in South Carolina after 1847 will typically be U.S. federal issues, and after 1861, Confederate States issues.
- Check for cancellations from South Carolina post offices on U.S. or CSA stamps.
Popular series
-
Postmasters' Provisionals
1846-1847
Locally issued stamps by postmasters before the first general U.S. issues, some from South Carolina cities.
-
Confederate States Issues
1861-1865
Stamps used in South Carolina during its secession from the Union, issued by the Confederate States of America.
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
- $0.50–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$50,000+
Stamps directly issued *by* South Carolina are extremely rare Postmasters' Provisionals. Most stamps used in South Carolina fall under U.S. federal or Confederate States issues. Confederate provisionals from South Carolina cities can be very valuable.
Catalogs. South Carolina 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 South Carolina stamps
While South Carolina itself did not issue its own national postage stamps in the modern sense, its postal history includes rare 'Postmasters' Provisionals' issued by local postmasters before the U.S. federal government began issuing stamps. During the Civil War, Confederate States of America stamps were used within South Carolina. Otherwise, U.S. federal stamps have been used.
Genuine Postmasters' Provisionals from South Carolina cities are exceedingly rare and can be highly valuable, often fetching thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Stamps used in South Carolina that are U.S. federal or Confederate issues have values consistent with those broader categories, with some Confederate provisionals also being quite valuable. Common U.S. stamps with South Carolina cancellations are generally of modest value.
Identifying South Carolina-related stamps involves looking for specific local provisional issues (e.g., 'Charleston Post Office' stamps), or identifying U.S. and Confederate stamps with cancellations from South Carolina post offices. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue is the primary reference for U.S. and Confederate States stamps, including Postmasters' Provisionals from South Carolina. Specialized catalogs for U.S. locals and provisionals may also provide more detailed listings.
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