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.
- Issued stamps
- 1859–1886
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Gran Colombia
About Colombian States stamps
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.
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.
- ESTADO SOBERANO DE ANTIOQUIA
- ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA
- ESTADO DE PANAMÁ
How to identify Colombian States stamps
- Look for the name of the specific state (e.g., 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE ANTIOQUIA', 'ESTADOS UNIDOS DE COLOMBIA', 'ESTADO DE PANAMÁ') in Spanish.
- Examine the coat of arms or central vignette, as these often differ between states and issues.
- Pay attention to the currency (centavos, pesos) and the year of issue, if present.
- Check for specific cancellations, as these can be crucial for identifying usage and adding value.
Popular 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.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$10,000+
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.
Catalogs. Colombian States 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 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.
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.
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. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
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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