Peru Stamps
Peru, situated on the western coast of South America, possesses a rich postal history stemming from its colonial ties to Spain, followed by independence in the early 19th century. As a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) since 1871, Peruvian stamps primarily feature Spanish inscriptions, reflecting the nation's official language.
- Issued stamps
- 1857–present
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- PEN
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Peru stamps
The country's philatelic record documents various political epochs, including periods of significant territorial change and internal reorganization, which are often reflected in the issuance of definitive and commemorative series.
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.
- PERU
- CORREOS
How to identify Peru stamps
- Look for 'PERU' or 'CORREOS' inscriptions.
- Early issues often feature the Peruvian coat of arms or portraits of national heroes.
- Many stamps from the late 19th and early 20th centuries depict Inca motifs or historical events.
- Check for watermarks, especially on older issues, which can be crucial for identification.
Popular series
-
First Issues (Medallion Series)
1857-1860s
Peru's earliest stamps, featuring the national coat of arms or a medallion design, often imperforate.
-
Inca Series
Early 20th Century
Stamps depicting Inca rulers, ruins, and pre-Columbian art, highlighting Peru's rich indigenous heritage.
-
Airmail Issues
1920s-Present
A significant category, with many early airmail stamps featuring planes, condors, or national heroes, often highly sought after.
-
Definitive Series with National Themes
Mid-20th Century onwards
Regular issues showcasing Peruvian landscapes, flora, fauna, historical figures, and cultural 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
- $0.20–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$5,000+
Common Peruvian stamps are generally inexpensive. Early issues, especially imperforate varieties, errors, and high-value airmail stamps, can be quite valuable. Condition plays a significant role, with well-centered and unused examples commanding higher prices.
Catalogs. Peru 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 Peru stamps
Peru stamps are postage stamps issued by the Republic of Peru, beginning in 1857. They reflect the nation's history, culture, and natural beauty, with inscriptions primarily in Spanish.
The value of Peru stamps varies widely. While many common issues are inexpensive, early imperforate stamps, certain airmail issues, errors, and stamps in pristine condition can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to thousands of dollars.
You can identify Peru stamps by looking for 'PERU' or 'CORREOS' inscriptions, distinctive national symbols like the coat of arms, and historical figures. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Peru stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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