Funchal Stamps
Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese autonomous region of Madeira, is geographically situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Northwestern Africa. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to Portugal, operating under the Portuguese postal administration for most of its existence, though it briefly issued its own provisional stamps during periods of political uncertainty.
- Issued stamps
- 1892–1898
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- PTE
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Funchal stamps
Stamps from Funchal predominantly feature Portuguese language and currency, reflecting its status as an integral part of the Portuguese state. The island's postal system has evolved in parallel with that of mainland Portugal, maintaining a consistent administrative framework.
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.
- FUNCHAL
How to identify Funchal stamps
- Look for the overprint 'FUNCHAL' (often in sans-serif capitals) on stamps originally issued for Portugal.
- Examine the base stamp for the portrait of King Carlos I of Portugal.
- Check for provisional surcharges in addition to the Funchal overprint.
Popular series
-
King Carlos I Issue
1892-1898
Provisional issues overprinted 'FUNCHAL' on stamps of Portugal featuring King Carlos I.
-
Provisional Surcharges
1892
Stamps of Portugal surcharged with new values, then overprinted 'FUNCHAL'.
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
- €100–€1,000+
The value of Funchal stamps largely depends on the specific Portuguese base stamp used, the clarity and type of the 'FUNCHAL' overprint, and any additional surcharges. Rarer varieties and errors can fetch significant prices.
Catalogs. Funchal 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 Funchal stamps
Funchal stamps are provisional issues used in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, during a specific period from 1892 to 1898. These were regular stamps of Portugal overprinted with 'FUNCHAL' to indicate their specific use in the city, often due to local postal administration needs or political circumstances.
The value of Funchal stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rarer varieties, specific overprint types, or stamps with errors can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros. Their value is often tied to the scarcity of the underlying Portuguese stamp and the specifics of the overprint.
To identify Funchal stamps, look for the distinct 'FUNCHAL' overprint on stamps that typically feature the portrait of King Carlos I of Portugal. Pay attention to the font, color, and position of the overprint. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Funchal stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, including varieties of overprints, surcharges, and estimated values.
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