Coamo Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Coamo Stamps
Coamo is a municipality located in the central region of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Caribbean. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the broader postal administration of Puerto Rico, which transitioned from Spanish to United States control following the Treaty of Paris in 1898. Stamps issued for Coamo, often within the general Puerto Rican series, predominantly feature Spanish and English inscriptions, reflecting its bilingual environment. The administrative history of the territory has seen stamps issued under various US postal administrations, including the United States Post Office Department and later the USPS.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- Caribbean
- Issuing period:
- 1898 – 1898
- Languages:
- Spanish, English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Puerto Rico
Stamp Catalogs
Coamo stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Coamo Stamp Series
U.S. Administration Overprints (1898)
Spanish colonial stamps overprinted 'PORTO RICO' or 'U.S.P.O. DEPT.' for provisional use after the American occupation.
Puerto Rico General Issues (1899 onwards)
While not specific to Coamo, these are the stamps that would have been used in Coamo after the provisional period, issued by the U.S. postal administration for the entire territory.
issuer:coamo.series.items.2.name (issuer:coamo.series.items.2.period)
issuer:coamo.series.items.2.description
Coamo Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps specifically identified as used in Coamo (e.g., with Coamo postmarks) can command a premium. Provisional issues from 1898 are generally more valuable than later general issues. Condition plays a significant role.
How to Identify Coamo Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Coamo stamps:
- 1 Look for 'PORTO RICO' or 'U.S.P.O. DEPT.' overprints on Spanish colonial stamps.
- 2 Examine postmarks for 'COAMO' to identify local usage.
- 3 Stamps will feature Spanish and/or English inscriptions.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coamo stamps?
Coamo stamps refer to the postal issues used in the municipality of Coamo, Puerto Rico, particularly during the transitional period following the Spanish-American War in 1898. These often include Spanish colonial stamps overprinted for provisional use under U.S. administration, and later, general issues for Puerto Rico.
Are Coamo stamps valuable?
The value of Coamo-related stamps varies. Provisional issues from 1898, especially those with clear Coamo postmarks, can be quite valuable, ranging from $100 to over $1,000 for rare varieties or exceptional condition. More common general issues used in Coamo are typically in the $5 - $50 range. Rarity, condition, and specific overprint/postmark details significantly impact their worth.
How can I identify Coamo stamps?
To identify Coamo stamps, look for Spanish colonial stamps with 'PORTO RICO' or 'U.S.P.O. DEPT.' overprints. Crucially, check for postmarks that clearly indicate 'COAMO' as the place of cancellation. For definitive identification and detailed information, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list Coamo stamps?
Coamo-related stamps, particularly the provisional issues and general Puerto Rican stamps, are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for various issues.
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