St. Louis Mo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About St. Louis, Missouri (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
St. Louis, Missouri, is a major city located in the central United States, situated on the Mississippi River in the Midwest region. While not an independent country, its postal history is integral to the development of the United States Postal Service, particularly during the expansion westward following the Louisiana Purchase. Stamps issued for use in St. Louis would invariably be denominated in United States currency and feature English text, reflecting its status as a key early American postal hub. The city's significance as a gateway to the West profoundly influenced early American mail routes and infrastructure.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1849 – 1857
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
St. Louis, Missouri (Postmaster Provisionals) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular St. Louis, Missouri (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Series
St. Louis Postmaster Provisionals (1845-1847)
These are the iconic 'Bear' stamps, issued by the St. Louis postmaster to prepay postage before federal stamps were available. They feature the Missouri state seal with two bears.
St. Louis Postmaster Provisionals (Later Issues) (1847-1857)
While the 'Bear' stamps are the most famous, other provisional issues or local postal markings might be associated with St. Louis during this period, though less formally recognized as 'stamps'.
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St. Louis, Missouri (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: St. Louis Postmaster Provisionals are among the rarest and most valuable of all U.S. philatelic items. Their value depends heavily on condition, denomination, and specific plate variety. Even heavily damaged examples can fetch significant sums.
How to Identify St. Louis, Missouri (Postmaster Provisionals) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying St. Louis, Missouri (Postmaster Provisionals) stamps:
- 1 Look for the distinctive design featuring the Missouri state seal with two bears.
- 2 Examine the denomination (5c, 10c, 20c) and the surrounding text 'ST. LOUIS. POST OFFICE.'
- 3 Note the paper type and printing method, which are characteristic of early provisional issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are St. Louis Mo stamps?
St. Louis Mo stamps refer primarily to the 'St. Louis Postmaster Provisionals' issued by the St. Louis postmaster between 1845 and 1847. These were local stamps created to prepay postage before the first general issue U.S. federal stamps became available. They are famous for their design featuring the Missouri state seal with two bears.
Are St. Louis Mo stamps valuable?
Yes, St. Louis Mo Postmaster Provisionals are extremely valuable. They are considered some of the rarest and most sought-after U.S. philatelic items. Depending on the denomination, condition, and specific variety, individual stamps can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to well over $500,000.
How can I identify St. Louis Mo stamps?
To identify St. Louis Mo stamps, look for the unique design depicting the Missouri state seal with two bears. They will also have 'ST. LOUIS. POST OFFICE.' printed around the central design and a denomination (5, 10, or 20 cents). Due to their rarity and value, expert authentication is highly recommended. A stamp identifier app can help with initial recognition, but professional philatelic expertise is essential for confirmation.
Which catalogs list St. Louis Mo stamps?
St. Louis Mo Postmaster Provisionals are prominently listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, which is the primary reference for U.S. stamps. They are typically found in the section for U.S. Postmasters' Provisionals.
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