Puerto Rico Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Puerto Rico Stamps
Puerto Rico is an island territory of the United States located in the Caribbean region of North America. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the United States, having transitioned from Spanish colonial administration following the Treaty of Paris in 1898, with U.S. postal regulations taking effect shortly thereafter. Stamps issued for the island primarily feature English and Spanish, reflecting its bilingual environment. While generally using U.S. postal services, Puerto Rico has occasionally issued distinctive stamps under specific administrative arrangements, particularly during periods of evolving political status.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Caribbean
- Issuing period:
- 1873 – 1900
- Languages:
- Spanish, English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Spain
Stamp Catalogs
Puerto Rico stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Puerto Rico Stamp Series
Spanish Colonial Issues (1873-1898)
Stamps issued under Spanish administration, often featuring portraits of Spanish monarchs and colonial motifs. These are distinct from later U.S. issues.
U.S. Overprints (1898-1900)
Spanish colonial stamps overprinted with 'PORTO RICO' or 'PUERTO RICO' and new denominations by the U.S. postal administration after the Spanish-American War.
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Puerto Rico Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early Spanish colonial issues and U.S. overprints can be quite valuable, especially rare varieties, errors, or stamps in fine condition. Later U.S. issues used in Puerto Rico generally follow U.S. stamp values.
How to Identify Puerto Rico Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Puerto Rico stamps:
- 1 Look for 'PORTO RICO' or 'PUERTO RICO' overprints on Spanish colonial stamps.
- 2 Examine the design for Spanish monarchs (e.g., Alfonso XII, Alfonso XIII) on early issues.
- 3 Note the currency used: Pesetas and Centimos for Spanish issues, Cents for U.S. overprints.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Puerto Rico stamps?
Puerto Rico stamps refer to postal issues used in the island territory. This includes stamps issued under Spanish colonial rule (1873-1898) and early U.S. administration (1898-1900), often featuring overprints on Spanish stamps. After 1900, U.S. stamps were generally used.
Are Puerto Rico stamps valuable?
Some Puerto Rico stamps, particularly early Spanish colonial issues, rare overprints, or varieties from the transitional period (1898-1900), can be quite valuable, ranging from $100 to several thousands of dollars. Common stamps are typically in the $1-$20 range. Value depends heavily on rarity, condition, and specific issue.
How can I identify Puerto Rico stamps?
To identify Puerto Rico stamps, look for inscriptions like 'PORTO RICO' or 'PUERTO RICO', especially as overprints on Spanish colonial stamps. Early issues will often depict Spanish monarchs. For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a specialized stamp catalog or utilize a stamp identifier app that can analyze the stamp's features.
Which catalogs list Puerto Rico stamps?
Puerto Rico stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (typically within the U.S. Possessions or Spanish Colonies sections), Michel (under Spain and its colonies), and Stanley Gibbons (also under Spain and its colonies or British Commonwealth for later periods, though Puerto Rico is not British).
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