Colombian States Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Colombian States Stamps
The Colombian States represent a complex period in South American postal history, encompassing the various sovereign entities that emerged from the dissolution of Gran Colombia in the 1830s, primarily located in modern-day Colombia and Panama. These states, including New Granada, the Republic of Colombia, and others, issued stamps reflecting their transition from Spanish colonial rule toward independent republican governance, often featuring Spanish language inscriptions. The fragmentation of this region resulted in numerous distinct, though often short-lived, postal administrations, making the identification of specific state issues a key challenge for philatelists studying 19th-century Latin American postal history.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- South America
- Issuing period:
- 1859 – 1886
- Languages:
- Spanish
- Currency:
- COP
- Parent issuer:
- Gran Colombia
Stamp Catalogs
Colombian States stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Colombian States Stamp Series
New Granada First Issues (1859-1861)
The inaugural stamps of the Granadine Confederation (later United States of New Granada), featuring the national coat of arms.
United States of Colombia Issues (1861-1886)
Stamps issued by the various sovereign states that formed the United States of Colombia, often depicting local coats of arms or portraits.
Panama State Issues (1878-1886)
Distinctive issues from the State of Panamá, often featuring the Isthmus of Panama's coat of arms or local scenes.
Colombian States Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Colombian States stamps varies widely based on the specific state, issue, condition, cancellations, and rarity. Early issues and rare cancellations from smaller states can command significant prices. Forgeries are also prevalent, necessitating expert authentication for high-value items.
How to Identify Colombian States Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Colombian States stamps:
- 1 Look for the name of the specific state (e.g., 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE ANTIOQUIA', 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA', 'ESTADO DE PANAMÁ') in Spanish.
- 2 Examine the coat of arms or central vignette, as these often differ between states and issues.
- 3 Pay attention to the currency (centavos, pesos) and the year of issue, if present.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Colombian States stamps?
Colombian States stamps refer to the postage stamps issued by the various sovereign states that emerged from the dissolution of Gran Colombia, primarily between 1859 and 1886. These included states like Antioquia, Bolívar, Boyacá, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Magdalena, Panamá, Santander, and Tolima, each with their own postal administrations before the re-establishment of a unified Republic of Colombia.
Are Colombian States stamps valuable?
Yes, many Colombian States stamps can be quite valuable, especially early issues, rare cancellations, and stamps from less common states or specific printings. While common examples might be in the $5-$50 range, rare items can easily fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition, rarity, and historical significance are key factors in determining value.
How can I identify Colombian States stamps?
To identify Colombian States stamps, look for inscriptions in Spanish indicating the specific state (e.g., 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE BOLÍVAR'). Examine the central design, which often features a unique coat of arms or emblem for each state. Comparing your stamp to images in a specialized catalog like Scott or Michel is essential. You can also use a stamp identifier app, which can help you quickly match your stamp to known issues and provide more details.
Which catalogs list Colombian States stamps?
Colombian States stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 2), Michel Südamerika Katalog, and Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps (though less comprehensive for non-British issues) are excellent resources. Specialized catalogs for Colombia and Latin America also provide more detailed information.
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