Bolivar Stamps
Bolivar is a historical entity, not a modern sovereign state, representing the territory that formed the Gran Colombia federation in northern South America. This region was central to the Spanish colonial postal network before achieving independence, largely influenced by Simón Bolívar's revolutionary movements.
- Issued stamps
- 1863–1904
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Bolivar stamps
Stamps issued for this area, particularly during the 1820s, typically bear Spanish inscriptions reflecting the official language of the nascent republic. The postal administration transitioned rapidly following the dissolution of Gran Colombia into separate nations like Venezuela, Ecuador, and New Granada, marking significant shifts in stamp issuing authority.
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.
- ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA
- BOLIVAR
- CORREOS NACIONALES
How to identify Bolivar stamps
- Look for 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA' or 'BOLIVAR' inscriptions, often with 'CORREOS NACIONALES' or similar postal indicators.
- Examine watermarks (though not always present or consistent) and paper types for early issues.
- Pay attention to denominations in 'Centavos', 'Pesos', or earlier 'Escudos'.
Popular series
-
First Issues (Escudo)
1863-1864
The earliest stamps of Bolivar, often featuring the national coat of arms or allegorical figures, denominated in Escudos.
-
Provisional Issues
Late 1860s - 1870s
Various provisional issues and surcharges were common due to postal needs and currency changes, often hand-stamped.
-
Departmental Issues
1880s
Stamps issued specifically for the Department of Bolivar, often featuring local imagery or overprints.
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
- $1–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Early issues, especially those with clear cancellations or rare varieties (e.g., errors, specific printings), can command significant prices. Later, more common issues are generally affordable. Condition is paramount.
Catalogs. Bolivar 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 Bolivar stamps
Bolivar stamps refer to postage stamps issued by the Department of Bolivar, a historical administrative division within what was initially Gran Colombia and later the United States of Colombia. These stamps were used for postal services within this specific region of northern South America from 1863 to 1904.
The value of Bolivar stamps varies widely. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while early provisional issues, rare varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can be quite valuable, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Factors like rarity, condition, and historical significance heavily influence their market price.
To identify Bolivar stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'BOLIVAR', 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA', or 'CORREOS'. Pay attention to the denominations, which changed over time (e.g., Escudos, Centavos, Pesos). Examining the design, printing method, and any overprints or surcharges can also help. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Bolivar stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (typically under Colombia or its constituent states), the Michel catalog, and the Stanley Gibbons catalog. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values.
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