SCADTA Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) Stamps
SCADTA, or the Sociedad Colombiana de Transportes Aéreos, was a German-owned airline operating primarily in Colombia, South America, during the early 20th century. While not a sovereign nation, SCADTA issued its own distinctive airmail stamps, primarily between 1920 and 1930, to prepay for air transport services across the Colombian interior and internationally. These stamps are highly significant in philatelic geography as they represent a unique period of private international airmail infrastructure development within the Colombian postal system. The inscriptions on these issues are predominantly in Spanish, reflecting the operational environment, before the airline was fully nationalized and integrated into the regular Colombian postal service.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- South America
- Issuing period:
- 1920 – 1930
- Languages:
- Spanish, German
- Currency:
- COP
- Parent issuer:
- Colombia
Stamp Catalogs
SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) Stamp Series
First SCADTA Airmail Issues (1920-1921)
The initial set of stamps, often surcharged on Colombian regular issues, marking the beginning of private airmail service.
SCADTA Regular Airmail Issues (1921-1923)
Distinctive designs featuring aircraft and Colombian landscapes, printed specifically for SCADTA's airmail services.
Provisional Surcharges (1924-1929)
Various surcharges applied to existing SCADTA stamps to meet changing postal rates or currency adjustments.
SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common SCADTA stamps are relatively affordable, especially used copies. However, early issues, specific surcharges, errors, and stamps on cover can command significant prices. Condition is paramount, with well-centered, fresh copies being more valuable.
How to Identify SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'SCADTA' or 'Servicio Aéreo' inscriptions, often alongside 'Colombia'.
- 2 Many early issues are surcharges on regular Colombian stamps, so examine the overprint carefully.
- 3 Designs frequently feature biplanes, seaplanes, or aerial views of Colombian geography.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are SCADTA stamps?
SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) stamps were airmail stamps issued by a German-owned airline operating primarily in Colombia during the 1920s and early 1930s. They were used to prepay for air transport services before the airline was nationalized.
Are SCADTA stamps valuable?
The value of SCADTA stamps varies widely. While many common issues are affordable, early surcharges, specific varieties, errors, and stamps on original airmail covers can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Rarity and condition are key factors.
How can I identify SCADTA stamps?
SCADTA stamps are identified by their 'SCADTA' or 'Servicio Aéreo' inscriptions, often in conjunction with 'Colombia'. Many feature early aircraft or Colombian landscapes. For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a philatelic catalog or a stamp identification app that can scan and recognize these unique issues.
Which catalogs list SCADTA stamps?
SCADTA stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Colombia, specialized airmail sections), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs for Colombian philately also provide detailed listings.
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