US Postmaster Provisionals

United States · 1846 · 5¢ and 10¢

This selection displays early US Postmaster Provisional stamps from various cities. Designs typically feature the city name, 'POST OFFICE', the denomination, and sometimes a portrait of the postmaster or a simple emblem.

These stamps were issued by individual postmasters before the US federal government began issuing stamps in 1847. They represent the earliest adhesive postage stamps used in the United States, filling a critical need for prepayment of postage.