Azores Stamps
The Azores are an autonomous archipelago of Portugal situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, geographically part of Europe. As an integral part of Portugal, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the Portuguese administration, with stamps generally denominated in Portuguese currency and featuring Portuguese language.
- Issued stamps
- 1868–present
- Region
- Europe, Southwestern Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Azores stamps
While historically administered as an overseas province, the islands achieved autonomous status in 1976, though stamp issuance remains under the central Portuguese postal authority, CTT Correios. Therefore, Azorean stamps primarily reflect Portuguese national themes and administrative continuity.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- AÇORES
How to identify Azores stamps
- Look for the overprint 'AÇORES' on early Portuguese stamps.
- Later issues may explicitly state 'AÇORES' or feature distinct Azorean imagery.
- Denominations are typically in Portuguese currency (Reis, Escudos) before the Euro.
Popular series
-
Crown Issue
1868-1880s
The first stamps issued specifically for the Azores, featuring the Portuguese Crown design, overprinted with 'AÇORES'.
-
King Carlos I Issue
1892-1906
Stamps depicting King Carlos I, often overprinted 'AÇORES', reflecting the monarchical period.
-
Republic Issue
1910s-1920s
Following the establishment of the Portuguese Republic, stamps featuring republican designs, also overprinted for Azorean use.
-
Regional Autonomy Issues
1980s-Present
While still Portuguese issues, some modern stamps feature specific Azorean themes, flora, fauna, and culture, reflecting the region's autonomous status.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €0.10–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Early issues, especially those with rare overprints or in pristine condition, can fetch significant prices. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally inexpensive, unless part of a complete set or featuring specific errors.
Catalogs. Azores stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Azores stamps
Azores stamps are postage stamps issued for use in the autonomous archipelago of the Azores, an integral part of Portugal. Historically, these were Portuguese stamps overprinted with 'AÇORES', but modern issues may feature specific Azorean themes while remaining part of the Portuguese postal system.
The value of Azores stamps varies widely. Early issues, particularly those from the 19th and early 20th centuries with specific overprints or in fine condition, can be quite valuable (€50 - €500+). More recent definitive and commemorative stamps are generally common and inexpensive (€0.10 - €5), unless they are part of a complete collection or have specific philatelic interest.
To identify Azores stamps, look for the 'AÇORES' overprint on early Portuguese stamps. Later issues may explicitly state 'AÇORES' or depict unique Azorean landmarks, flora, or fauna. You can also use a stamp identification app by taking a picture of the stamp; the app will help you identify its origin and details.
Azores stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel catalog (specifically for Portugal and Colonies), and the Stanley Gibbons catalog (Part 10: Portugal & Spain).
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