Boyacá Stamps
Boyacá is a department located in the Andean region of Colombia, South America. While not an independent postal entity, its history is intrinsically linked to the formation of the Republic of Colombia, succeeding Spanish colonial rule and participating in the early postal administration of Gran Colombia.
- Issued stamps
- 1899–1904
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Colombia
About Boyacá stamps
Stamps issued for use within this region would primarily feature Spanish, reflecting the national language of Colombia, and would fall under the general postal history of the Colombian state following its independence movements. The region's historical significance, particularly its role in the Battle of Boyacá, is often commemorated on national Colombian issues.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Boyacá stamps
- Look for 'Boyacá' or 'Dpto. de Boyacá' overprints or inscriptions, typically on Colombian national stamps.
- Examine the design for common Colombian motifs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as these were often surcharged.
- Pay close attention to the specific type of overprint, its color, and its position, as variations can affect value.
Popular series
-
Departmental Issues
1899-1904
Stamps issued by the Department of Boyacá for local postal services, often surcharged or overprinted on national Colombian issues.
-
Revolutionary Issues
c. 1900-1903
Provisional stamps or overprints used during the tumultuous period of the 'Thousand Days' War, reflecting local authority or necessity.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$1,000+
The value of Boyacá departmental issues can vary significantly based on condition, specific overprints or surcharges, and the rarity of the underlying national stamp. Provisional issues, especially those related to the 'Thousand Days' War, can command higher prices due to their historical context and limited production.
Catalogs. Boyacá 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 Boyacá stamps
Boyacá stamps refer to provisional or departmental postal issues used within the Colombian department of Boyacá, primarily between 1899 and 1904. These were often national Colombian stamps overprinted or surcharged for local use during a period of political instability, notably the 'Thousand Days' War.
Some Boyacá stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare provisional issues, specific overprints, or those in excellent condition. Common examples might range from $5 to $50, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Their value is highly dependent on the specific issue, its rarity, and philatelic condition.
To identify Boyacá stamps, look for overprints or inscriptions such as 'Boyacá' or 'Dpto. de Boyacá' on stamps that are otherwise typical of Colombian issues from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Boyacá departmental issues are typically listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the Colombia section under 'Departmental Issues' or 'Provisional Issues'. Specialized catalogs for Colombian philately will offer even more detailed listings.
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