Colombia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Colombia Stamps
Colombia, situated in the northwestern corner of South America, possesses a rich postal history stemming from its origins as the Viceroyalty of New Granada under Spanish rule. Following independence, the nation navigated various political configurations, including the Gran Colombia period, before establishing the modern Republic, which joined the Universal Postal Union in 1881. Stamps predominantly feature Spanish inscriptions, reflecting the official language, and the country's issues often document significant national figures and diverse regional geography. The postal administration has undergone several organizational changes throughout the 20th century, impacting the continuity and design of its philatelic output.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- South America
- Issuing period:
- 1859 – present
- Languages:
- Spanish
- Currency:
- COP
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- issuer:colombia.overview.parentIssuerValue
Stamp Catalogs
Colombia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Colombia Stamp Series
First Issues (Escudo Series) (1859-1862)
Colombia's inaugural stamps, featuring the national coat of arms (Escudo), often imperforate and printed on various papers.
Presidential Series (Early 20th Century)
Numerous issues depicting national heroes and presidents, reflecting the country's political history and national identity.
Airmail Issues (1920s-1940s)
Early and significant airmail stamps, including those for SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo Alemana de Transportes Aéreos), a pioneering airline.
Colombia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early imperforate issues, especially those with rare cancellations or errors, can be highly valuable. Airmail stamps, particularly SCADTA issues, also command significant prices. Later definitives are generally inexpensive, but complete sets or specific varieties can hold moderate value.
How to Identify Colombia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Colombia stamps:
- 1 Look for 'COLOMBIA' or 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA' (for earlier issues) as the primary country inscription.
- 2 Early issues often feature the national coat of arms (Escudo) or portraits of national figures.
- 3 Many stamps are denominated in Centavos or Pesos.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Colombia stamps?
Colombia stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authorities of Colombia, a country in South America. Their history dates back to 1859, covering periods as the Granadine Confederation, United States of Colombia, and the modern Republic, reflecting a rich political and cultural heritage.
Are Colombia stamps valuable?
The value of Colombia stamps varies widely. Early imperforate issues from the 19th century, particularly those with good condition, rare cancellations, or specific varieties, can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Early airmail stamps, especially those from SCADTA, are also highly sought after. More modern definitive issues are generally common and inexpensive, typically ranging from $0.10 to $5, though complete sets or specific commemoratives can hold more value.
How can I identify Colombia stamps?
To identify Colombia stamps, look for the country name 'COLOMBIA' or historical names like 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA' printed on the stamp. Denominations are typically in Centavos or Pesos. Key visual identifiers include the national coat of arms (Escudo) on early issues and portraits of national heroes. For precise identification, including varieties, watermarks, and perforations, using a specialized stamp catalog or a stamp identifier app is highly recommended.
Which catalogs list Colombia stamps?
Colombia stamps are extensively listed in all major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 2), the Michel Südamerika-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons South America Catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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