Tolima Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Tolima Stamps
Tolima is a department located in the Andean region of central Colombia, South America. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to that of the Republic of Colombia, following the dissolution of Gran Colombia and subsequent national postal administrations. Stamps issued for this region, when separately administered or during periods of localized postal service, would primarily feature Spanish, the official language of Colombia. The administrative history of Tolima reflects the broader political evolution of Colombia from the 19th century onward, with postal services generally centralized under the national postal authority.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- South America
- Issuing period:
- 1870 – 1903
- Languages:
- Spanish
- Currency:
- COP
- Parent issuer:
- Colombia
Stamp Catalogs
Tolima stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Tolima Stamp Series
First Issues (1870-1871)
The initial set of stamps issued by Tolima, often featuring the coat of arms or allegorical figures, reflecting the nascent postal autonomy.
Provisional Issues (1880s)
Stamps issued during periods of political instability or postal shortages, often characterized by surcharges or overprints on existing Colombian or departmental stamps.
Definitive Issues (1890s)
Regular issues with various designs, including portraits of national heroes or local landmarks, used for standard postal services within the department.
Tolima Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Tolima stamps varies significantly based on condition, rarity, specific issue, and whether they are used or unused. Early issues, errors, and stamps with clear postmarks tend to command higher prices. Provisional issues and those from periods of conflict can also be quite valuable.
How to Identify Tolima Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Tolima stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE TOLIMA' or 'DEPARTAMENTO DE TOLIMA'.
- 2 Examine the designs for the Colombian coat of arms, allegorical figures, or portraits of historical figures.
- 3 Check for overprints or surcharges, which were common during certain periods of Tolima's postal history.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tolima stamps?
Tolima stamps are postage stamps issued by the Department of Tolima, a region in central Colombia, during a period of semi-autonomous postal administration from 1870 to 1903. These stamps were used for postal services within the department and sometimes for mail to other parts of Colombia.
Are Tolima stamps valuable?
Some Tolima stamps can be quite valuable, especially early issues, provisional stamps, errors, and those in fine condition with clear postmarks. Common issues may be worth a few dollars, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars among collectors.
How can I identify Tolima stamps?
To identify Tolima stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE TOLIMA' or 'DEPARTAMENTO DE TOLIMA'. Pay attention to the designs, which often feature national symbols or local themes. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize stamps, or consult specialized catalogs.
Which catalogs list Tolima stamps?
Tolima stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Colombia, Departmental Issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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