St. Louis Bears
| St. Louis Bears | |
|---|---|
St. Louis Bears 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ denominations | |
| Country of production | United States of America |
| Location of production | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Date of production | 1845-46 |
| Nature of rarity | A small quantity exist |
| Face value | 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ |
| Estimated value | $8,000, $8,000 and $50,000 |
The St. Louis Bears are a set of Provisional stamps issued by the St. Louis Post office in 1845-46 to facilitate prepayment of postal fees at a time when the United States Post Office had not yet issued postage stamps for national use. St. Louis, whose postmaster, John M. Wimer, instigated the production, was one of eleven cities to produce such stamps. Bears were offered in three denominations: 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢; the earliest known postmark date on a stamp of the issue is November 13, 1845.