Chilean Occupation of Peru Stamps
The Chilean Occupation of Peru, spanning from 1881 to 1884 during the War of the Pacific, involved the temporary administration of Peruvian territory by Chile. During this period, Chilean postal authorities issued provisional stamps for use in the occupied zones, often overprinting existing Peruvian issues or using definitive Chilean stamps.
- Issued stamps
- 1881–1883
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- PES
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Chile
History and background
These issues primarily feature Spanish, reflecting the official language of both nations involved in the conflict. The postal history of this era is a direct consequence of the military occupation and ceased upon the restoration of Peruvian civil administration.
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.
- CHILE
How to identify them
- Look for 'CHILE' overprints (often in various fonts and colors) on Peruvian stamps issued between 1874 and 1880.
- Examine postmarks for locations within Peru that were under Chilean occupation (e.g., Lima, Callao, Arequipa).
- Be aware of forged overprints; expertization is often recommended for valuable examples.
Popular series
-
Provisional Overprints on Peruvian Stamps
1881-1883
Peruvian stamps overprinted with 'CHILE' or other Chilean postal markings for use in occupied territories.
-
Chilean Definitive Stamps Used in Peru
1881-1883
Regular Chilean definitive stamps used in Peruvian post offices under Chilean administration, often identifiable by postmarks.
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
- $10–$100
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$5,000+
Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, stamp denomination, condition, and postmark. Rarer overprints and high-value Peruvian base stamps command higher prices. Authenticity of overprints is crucial.
Catalogs. Chilean Occupation of Peru 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 Chilean Occupation of Peru stamps
Chilean Occupation of Peru stamps are provisional postal issues used between 1881 and 1883 in Peruvian territories occupied by Chile during the War of the Pacific. These typically consist of existing Peruvian stamps overprinted with 'CHILE' or other Chilean postal indicators, or regular Chilean stamps used in occupied areas.
Yes, many Chilean Occupation of Peru stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, specific varieties, or those on higher denomination Peruvian base stamps. Their historical significance and limited issuance contribute to their collectibility. Common examples might be in the $10-$100 range, while rare items can fetch thousands of dollars.
To identify Chilean Occupation of Peru stamps, look for Peruvian stamps from the late 1870s that bear an overprint, most commonly 'CHILE'. Also, check for Chilean definitive stamps used with Peruvian postmarks from the occupation period. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Chilean Occupation of Peru stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under Peru, Occupation Issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these historically significant issues.
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