Tellico Plains Stamps
Tellico Plains is a historical settlement located in the southeastern United States, specifically within the Appalachian region of Tennessee. As part of the United States, its postal history falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, reflecting national postal regulations and affiliations with international postal unions.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Americas, North America
- Currency
- USD
- Languages
- English
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- United States
About Tellico Plains stamps
Stamps issued for this area would primarily feature English text and denominations in US currency, consistent with the broader American philatelic tradition. The administrative history of the region is tied to the development of the US postal network following the establishment of the nation.
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
How to identify Tellico Plains stamps
- Look for a handstamped 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' on a piece of paper, often cut from a larger sheet.
- The stamp typically features a manuscript 'Tellico Plains' or 'T. Plains' and a date.
- Often found on original covers (envelopes), which adds significantly to its value and authenticity.
Popular series
-
Tellico Plains Provisional
1861
A single provisional stamp issued during the American Civil War due to postal disruptions.
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 (extremely rare)
- Scarce stamps
- $10,000–$50,000+
The Tellico Plains provisional stamp is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of known examples. Its value is highly dependent on condition and provenance, making it a significant item for specialist collectors of Confederate Postmasters' Provisionals.
Catalogs. Tellico Plains 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 Tellico Plains stamps
Tellico Plains stamps refer to a rare provisional stamp issued locally in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, during the American Civil War in 1861. These were created by the local postmaster to maintain postal service when official U.S. stamps became unavailable due to the conflict.
Yes, Tellico Plains provisional stamps are among the most valuable and rare items in U.S. philately. Due to their extreme scarcity (only a few examples are known), they can command prices ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars at auction, depending on condition and whether they are on cover.
Identifying a Tellico Plains provisional requires expert knowledge. Look for a handstamped 'PAID' or 'PAID 5' (indicating a 5-cent rate) with a manuscript 'Tellico Plains' or 'T. Plains' and a date, usually on a piece of paper or directly on an envelope. Due to their rarity and high value, authentication by a recognized philatelic expert is crucial. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Tellico Plains provisional stamps are listed in specialized catalogs focusing on U.S. philately, most notably the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue under Confederate Postmasters' Provisionals. They are generally not found in general international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which do not specialize in such local U.S. issues.
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