I am writing this guide to help collectors of Civil War related items place a value upon Civil War period postage stamps and envelopes with period stamps attached. This is an area so vast that I will only scratch the surface by showing the most common items listed on ebay. As with all collectibles there are thousands of variables that effect value. Before I get started, I think it is order to layout some philatelic definitions. These are just very basic fundamental definitions written as not to confuse individuals not familiar with philately.

Mint: A stamp that has not been postally used and has the original glue on the back side. Examples without original glue or gum sell for much less.

Used: A stamp that has been postally used and has a postmark upon it’s face.

Cover: An original envelope that has been used and still has the original stamp attached.

Patriotic Cover: Same as above, but with a patriotic themed picture, usually a flag, printed upon the envelope.

Scott: The defining catalogue used by philatelists to determine the value of postage stamps and covers.

Very-fine: an item in which is nearly perfectly centered without flaws and faults.

As I mentioned before, I can only scratch the surface in this brief guide. The values in which I will present are for only the commonest of patriotic covers. Prisoner covers usually sell for much more. Also, keep in mind there are hundreds of thousands of fake Civil War era stamps and covers lurking around out there. There are also unlimited real confederate stamps with fake cancels out on the market. If you ever have any questions about authenticity of an item please feel free to email me.

The values that are presented here are for very-fine items without flaws and faults. Examples with creases and flaws sell for much less!

Most common Civil War U.S. Issues:

Scott #26 Mint: $75.00 Used: $8.00                            Scott #63 Mint: $350.00 Used: $40.00

On cover: $9.50  Patriotic Cover: $125.00                  On cover: $47.50  Patriotic cover: $225.00

Scott #65 Mint: $150.00 Used: $3.00

On cover: $3.50 Patriotic cover $40.00

Most common Confederate issues (used CSA patriotic covers are scarce):

 CSA #6 Mint: $10.00 Used: $27.00                        CSA #7 Mint: $13.00 Used: $20.00

On cover $125.00                                                       On cover: $200.00

CSA #8 Mint: $70.00 Used: $350.00                  CSA #11 Mint: $9.00 Used: $18.00

On cover: $1,250.00                                              On cover: $150.00

CSA #12 Mint: $11.00 Used: $18.00               CSA #13 Mint: $37.50 Used: $400.00  

On cover $75.00                                                 On cover: $1,250.00