Brazil Stamps
Brazil, the largest nation in South America, possesses a rich postal history beginning under Portuguese colonial rule, culminating in the establishment of an independent postal service in the mid-19th century. As a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1879, its philatelic output reflects its transition from Empire to Republic, marked by significant political changes throughout the 20th century.
- Issued stamps
- 1843–present
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- BRL
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Brazil stamps
Stamps are predominantly denominated in Portuguese, the official language, and often feature iconography related to its vast geography, natural resources, and national heroes. The country's postal administration has navigated periods of hyperinflation and currency reform, leading to numerous surcharges and reissues that are of particular interest to collectors.
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.
- BRASIL
- CORREIO
How to identify Brazil stamps
- Look for 'BRASIL' or 'CORREIO' as primary country indicators.
- Early issues (1843-1889) often feature the Emperor Dom Pedro II or numerical designs without country names.
- Later issues frequently depict national landmarks, historical figures, or natural resources.
- Denominations are typically in Portuguese (e.g., 'Reis', 'Cruzeiros', 'Cruzados', 'Reais').
Popular series
-
Bull's Eyes (Olho-de-Boi)
1843
Brazil's first stamps, and the second country in the world to issue adhesive postage stamps. Known for their distinctive oval design.
-
Slanted Numerals (Inclinados)
1844-1846
Following the Bull's Eyes, these stamps featured large, slanted numerals indicating their value, printed without frames.
-
Dom Pedro II Issues
1866-1889
A long-running series featuring the portrait of Emperor Dom Pedro II, with numerous variations in colors, papers, and perforations.
-
Republic Issues
1889-present
Stamps issued after the proclamation of the Republic, often featuring allegorical figures, national heroes, and diverse themes reflecting Brazilian culture and history.
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
- $100–$50,000+
Common Brazilian stamps are generally affordable. Early issues, especially the 'Bull's Eyes' and 'Slanted Numerals' in fine condition, can fetch significant prices. Errors, varieties, and stamps from periods of hyperinflation with surcharges are also highly sought after.
Catalogs. Brazil 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 Brazil stamps
Brazil stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Brazil, starting in 1843. They reflect the country's rich history from the Empire to the Republic, featuring diverse designs and denominations in Portuguese.
The value of Brazil stamps varies widely. While many common modern stamps are inexpensive, early issues like the 'Bull's Eyes' and 'Slanted Numerals', as well as rare errors, varieties, and specific surcharges, can be very valuable, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
You can identify Brazil stamps by looking for the country name 'BRASIL' or 'CORREIO', especially on modern issues. Early stamps often feature portraits of Emperor Dom Pedro II or unique numerical designs. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Brazil stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.