Panama Stamps
Panama is a transcontinental nation in Central America, bridging North and South America, whose postal history is deeply intertwined with its strategic importance as the site of the Panama Canal. Following independence from Gran Colombia in 1838, the territory remained under Colombian rule until 1903, when it became a US protectorate, significantly influencing early postal arrangements and the introduction of US currency.
- Issued stamps
- 1878–present
- Region
- Americas, Central America
- Currency
- PAB
- Languages
- Spanish, English
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Panama stamps
Panamanian stamps predominantly feature Spanish, reflecting the official language, though early issues often bear inscriptions in both Spanish and English due to the American presence. The country's postal administration has navigated periods of intense international influence, particularly concerning the Canal Zone, before achieving full sovereignty over its postal services.
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.
- PANAMA
- REPUBLICA DE PANAMA
- COLOMBIA
- CANAL ZONE
How to identify Panama stamps
- Look for 'PANAMA' or 'REPUBLICA DE PANAMA' inscription.
- Early issues may have 'COLOMBIA' overprinted with 'PANAMA' or 'CANAL ZONE'.
- Check for bilingual inscriptions (Spanish and English) on some early issues due to American influence.
Popular series
-
Panama Canal Construction Issues
Early 20th Century
Stamps depicting the construction and completion of the Panama Canal, often overprinted or featuring canal-related imagery.
-
Map of Panama Issues
Various
Series featuring maps of Panama, highlighting its strategic location and the Canal.
-
National Heroes and Events
Mid-20th Century onwards
Commemorative issues honoring Panamanian historical figures, independence, and national achievements.
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
- $0.10–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$5,000+
Early issues, particularly those related to the Canal Zone or with rare overprints, can be quite valuable. Common definitive stamps from later periods are generally inexpensive. Condition plays a significant role in value.
Catalogs. Panama 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 Panama stamps
Panama stamps are postage stamps issued by the Republic of Panama, a transcontinental nation in Central America. Their postal history is closely linked to the Panama Canal and its strategic importance, with early issues often reflecting American influence.
The value of Panama stamps varies widely. Common definitive stamps are generally inexpensive, ranging from $0.10 to $5. However, rare early issues, especially those related to the Panama Canal, provisional issues, or stamps with specific overprints, can be quite valuable, fetching anywhere from $50 to over $5,000, depending on rarity and condition.
To identify Panama stamps, look for the country name 'PANAMA' or 'REPUBLICA DE PANAMA'. Early issues might also bear 'COLOMBIA' overprinted with 'PANAMA' or 'CANAL ZONE'. Many early stamps feature bilingual inscriptions (Spanish and English). A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Panama stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel catalogue, and the Stanley Gibbons catalogue. These resources provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.