Guanacaste Stamps
Guanacaste is a region located in northwestern Costa Rica, Central America. While not an independent stamp-issuing entity, its postal history is entirely integrated with that of the Republic of Costa Rica, reflecting the nation's development from a Spanish colony to an independent republic.
- Issued stamps
- 1885–1889
- Region
- Americas, Central America
- Currency
- CRC
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Costa Rica
About Guanacaste stamps
Costa Rican stamps from this period primarily feature Spanish inscriptions, often commemorating national heroes or significant historical events relevant to the region's integration into the national framework. The administrative history of Guanacaste is tied to Costa Rica's broader political evolution, including its adherence to international postal agreements like the Universal Postal Union.
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.
- GUANACASTE
How to identify Guanacaste stamps
- Look for the distinct 'GUANACASTE' overprint on definitive stamps of Costa Rica from the 1880s.
- Examine the underlying Costa Rican stamp for its original design, denomination, and watermarks.
- Pay attention to the type and font of the overprint, as variations exist.
Popular series
-
Guanacaste Overprints
1885-1889
These issues consist of regular Costa Rican stamps overprinted with 'GUANACASTE' to denote their use in the province, primarily for internal postal administration.
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 Guanacaste overprints is highly dependent on the condition of the stamp, the specific underlying Costa Rican issue, and the clarity and type of the overprint. Errors or scarce varieties can command significantly higher prices.
Catalogs. Guanacaste 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 Guanacaste stamps
Guanacaste stamps are regular postage stamps of Costa Rica that were overprinted with 'GUANACASTE' for use in the province of Guanacaste between 1885 and 1889. They are not stamps from an independent issuing entity but rather a regional postal designation within Costa Rica.
The value of Guanacaste overprinted stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few dollars, while rarer underlying stamps with clear, well-centered overprints, or specific varieties, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Condition is a major factor in their valuation.
You can identify Guanacaste stamps by looking for the 'GUANACASTE' overprint on Costa Rican stamps issued in the mid-to-late 1880s. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Guanacaste overprinted stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically within the Costa Rica section, often under a specific heading for 'Provisional Issues' or 'Regional Overprints'.
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