Ponta Delgada Stamps
Ponta Delgada is the capital city of the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to that of Portugal, with stamps issued under Portuguese authority reflecting its status as an integral part of the nation.
- Issued stamps
- 1892–1905
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- PTE
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Portugal
About Ponta Delgada stamps
While Portuguese is the official language, historical issues may reflect administrative nuances of the islands. The city's postal administration has generally followed the administrative and currency changes of mainland Portugal throughout its history.
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.
- PONTA DELGADA
How to identify Ponta Delgada stamps
- Look for the overprint 'PONTA DELGADA' (often in two lines) on stamps originally issued for Portugal or the Azores.
- Examine the portrait of King Carlos I, which is characteristic of many issues from this period.
- Check the watermark (usually a crown or similar Portuguese colonial watermark) and perforation.
Popular series
-
King Carlos I
1892-1905
Definitive issues featuring the portrait of King Carlos I of Portugal, overprinted 'PONTA DELGADA' to denote local use. These stamps are part of the broader Portuguese colonial issues of the period.
-
Vasco da Gama Commemorative
1898
A special issue commemorating the 400th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India, overprinted 'PONTA DELGADA'. These are highly sought after due to their historical significance.
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–€20
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
The value of Ponta Delgada stamps is largely dependent on the specific issue, condition, and the clarity/completeness of the overprint. Early definitive issues are generally more accessible, while commemorative sets and higher denominations, especially those in fine used or mint condition, can command significant prices. Errors or varieties in the overprint can also increase value.
Catalogs. Ponta Delgada 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 Ponta Delgada stamps
Ponta Delgada stamps are postage stamps issued for use in Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. These stamps were typically Portuguese colonial issues overprinted with 'PONTA DELGADA' to signify their specific regional validity between 1892 and 1905.
The value of Ponta Delgada stamps varies. Common issues in average condition might be worth a few euros, while rare varieties, high denominations, or stamps in pristine condition (mint never hinged or fine used) can be quite valuable, potentially fetching hundreds of euros. Factors like the specific overprint, year of issue, and historical significance also play a role.
To identify Ponta Delgada stamps, look for the distinctive 'PONTA DELGADA' overprint on stamps that often feature King Carlos I of Portugal. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Ponta Delgada stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values for both mint and used stamps.
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