Horta Stamps
Horta is a historical port city located on the island of Faial in the Azores archipelago, a Portuguese autonomous region in the North Atlantic Ocean. While Horta itself did not issue stamps independently, its postal history is intrinsically linked to Portugal, reflecting its strategic importance as a mid-Atlantic coaling and communications station under Portuguese sovereignty.
- Issued stamps
- 1892–1905
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- PTE
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Horta stamps
Stamps used in Horta would primarily feature Portuguese issues, often denominated in Portuguese currency, though the region's unique maritime history is sometimes reflected in thematic issues. The administration of postal services remained under the central Portuguese authority throughout the periods relevant to philately.
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.
- HORTA
- FAIAL
How to identify Horta stamps
- Look for the 'HORTA' overprint on stamps of Portugal, typically in black ink.
- Examine the design, which will feature Portuguese monarchs or national emblems of the period.
- Check for cancellations that explicitly state 'HORTA' or 'FAIAL'.
Popular series
-
King Carlos I Issues
1892-1905
Stamps of Portugal overprinted 'HORTA' for local use, featuring King Carlos I.
-
Ceres Issues (Unoverprinted)
Post-1905
While not specific to Horta, the Ceres series of Portugal would have been used in Horta after the overprinted issues ceased.
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
- €1–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and cancellations. Early issues with clear Horta cancellations are more desirable.
Catalogs. Horta 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 Horta stamps
Horta stamps are issues of Portugal that were overprinted with 'HORTA' for use in the city of Horta, located on the island of Faial in the Azores archipelago. These were used during a specific period when the city had its own postal administration under Portuguese sovereignty.
The value of Horta stamps varies. Common issues in used condition might be worth a few euros, while rare varieties, errors, or stamps in pristine unused condition with specific overprints or cancellations can fetch hundreds of euros. Condition, rarity of the overprint, and clear cancellations are key factors.
To identify Horta stamps, look for the 'HORTA' overprint on stamps originally issued by Portugal, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The designs will be typical Portuguese issues of the era, often featuring King Carlos I. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Horta stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the sections dedicated to Portugal or Portuguese Colonies/Azores. Specialized Portuguese catalogs will also provide detailed listings.
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