Fort Bliss Centennial Stamp Value Guide

The 1948 Fort Bliss Centennial stamp is a distinctive 3-cent issue commemorating the 100th anniversary of this vital Texas military installation. It is highly collectible for its unique depiction of a camel, referencing the experimental U.S. Camel Corps of the 1850s that once operated in the Southwest desert.

What Is Fort Bliss Centennial Stamp Worth?

The typical price range for Fort Bliss Centennial Stamp is $1 - $2 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Centering of the design within the white perforated margins significantly impacts the $1-$2 market value.
• The presence of original gum (OG) and whether the stamp is 'never hinged' (NH) versus previously mounted.
• Condition of the perforations, ensuring no tears or 'short teeth' are present on the edges.
• Postal history interest, such as being attached to a First Day Cover (FDC) postmarked November 5, 1948.

How to Identify Fort Bliss Centennial Stamp?

• Verify the 3-cent denomination and the '1848-1948' centennial dates printed on the face.
• Look for the central design featuring a camel and a mountain backdrop representing the El Paso region.
• Confirm the stamp is printed on standard 1948-era postage paper with a brownish-carmine or maroon ink finish.
• Check for the 'U.S. POSTAGE' and 'FORT BLISS CENTENNIAL' text clearly inscribed along the borders.

History of Fort Bliss Centennial Stamp

Fort Bliss, established in 1848, played a crucial role in American military history, particularly in the development of missile and space technology. This stamp, issued in 1948, honored its centennial, highlighting its enduring legacy as a significant military installation in Texas. The design features a camel, referencing the U.S. Camel Corps experiment of the 1850s, which had a brief, though notable, association with the desert environment of the Southwest where Fort Bliss is located. This unique aspect adds a touch of historical intrigue to the stamp's narrative.