Colombia Stamps
Colombia, situated in the northwestern corner of South America, possesses a rich postal history stemming from its origins as the Viceroyalty of New Granada under Spanish rule. Following independence, the nation navigated various political configurations, including the Gran Colombia period, before establishing the modern Republic, which joined the Universal Postal Union in 1881.
- Issued stamps
- 1859–present
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Colombia stamps
Stamps predominantly feature Spanish inscriptions, reflecting the official language, and the country's issues often document significant national figures and diverse regional geography. The postal administration has undergone several organizational changes throughout the 20th century, impacting the continuity and design of its philatelic output.
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.
- COLOMBIA
- ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA
How to identify Colombia stamps
- Look for 'COLOMBIA' or 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA' (for earlier issues) as the primary country inscription.
- Early issues often feature the national coat of arms (Escudo) or portraits of national figures.
- Many stamps are denominated in Centavos or Pesos.
- Pay attention to watermarks, perforations, and paper types, especially for 19th-century issues.
Popular series
-
First Issues (Escudo Series)
1859-1862
Colombia's inaugural stamps, featuring the national coat of arms (Escudo), often imperforate and printed on various papers.
-
Presidential Series
Early 20th Century
Numerous issues depicting national heroes and presidents, reflecting the country's political history and national identity.
-
Airmail Issues
1920s-1940s
Early and significant airmail stamps, including those for SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo Alemana de Transportes Aéreos), a pioneering airline.
-
Definitive Series with Regional Themes
Mid-20th Century onwards
Extensive series showcasing Colombia's diverse geography, flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
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–$5,000+
Early imperforate issues, especially those with rare cancellations or errors, can be highly valuable. Airmail stamps, particularly SCADTA issues, also command significant prices. Later definitives are generally inexpensive, but complete sets or specific varieties can hold moderate value.
Catalogs. Colombia 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 Colombia stamps
Colombia stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authorities of Colombia, a country in South America. Their history dates back to 1859, covering periods as the Granadine Confederation, United States of Colombia, and the modern Republic, reflecting a rich political and cultural heritage.
The value of Colombia stamps varies widely. Early imperforate issues from the 19th century, particularly those with good condition, rare cancellations, or specific varieties, can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Early airmail stamps, especially those from SCADTA, are also highly sought after. More modern definitive issues are generally common and inexpensive, typically ranging from $0.10 to $5, though complete sets or specific commemoratives can hold more value.
To identify Colombia stamps, look for the country name 'COLOMBIA' or historical names like 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA' printed on the stamp. Denominations are typically in Centavos or Pesos. Key visual identifiers include the national coat of arms (Escudo) on early issues and portraits of national heroes. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Colombia stamps are extensively listed in all major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 2), the Michel Südamerika-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons South America Catalogue. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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