Portugal Stamps
Portugal is a nation situated on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, historically renowned as one of the world's earliest and longest-lasting colonial powers. Its extensive postal history reflects its global reach, with stamps often featuring Portuguese language and imagery related to its overseas territories until decolonization in the 1970s.
- Issued stamps
- 1853–present
- Region
- Europe, Southwestern Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Portugal stamps
As a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1875, Portugal's postal administration maintained continuity through the transition from monarchy to republic in 1910. Modern Portuguese stamps primarily reflect national identity, European integration, and its historical connection to Lusophone nations.
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.
- PORTUGAL
- CORREIO
How to identify Portugal stamps
- Look for 'PORTUGAL' or 'CORREIO' (Post) as the country name.
- Early issues feature portraits of monarchs (D. Maria II, D. Pedro V, D. Luís I, D. Carlos I, D. Manuel II).
- Post-1910 stamps often display republican symbols, historical figures, or modern Portuguese culture.
- Watermarks (e.g., crown, shield, various patterns) are crucial for identifying early issues and varieties.
Popular series
-
D. Maria II and D. Pedro V 'D. Maria' Issues
1853-1867
Portugal's first stamps, featuring the profiles of Queen Maria II and King Pedro V, often imperforate and highly sought after.
-
King Carlos I 'Caravel' Issues
1898-1906
Commemorative issues for the 400th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, depicting caravels and other maritime themes, popular with collectors.
-
Republic Issues
1910-present
Following the overthrow of the monarchy, stamps transitioned to republican themes, often featuring allegorical figures, national symbols, and later, modern cultural and historical subjects.
-
Europa Series
1956-present
Portugal regularly participates in the Europa stamp series, issued by European postal administrations, featuring common themes each year.
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
- €100–€10,000+
Early imperforate issues, particularly those in good condition or with rare cancellations, can be very valuable. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally affordable, with higher values for complete sets, errors, or specific varieties. Stamps from Portuguese colonies often command higher prices than those from mainland Portugal.
Catalogs. Portugal 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 Portugal stamps
Portugal stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Portugal, beginning in 1853. They reflect the nation's rich history, from its monarchical past and colonial empire to its modern republican and European identity.
Yes, some Portugal stamps can be quite valuable. Early imperforate issues, especially those from the 19th century featuring monarchs, can fetch significant prices. Errors, rare cancellations, and complete sets of certain series also hold higher value. Modern commemorative stamps are generally more affordable.
You can identify Portugal stamps by looking for the country name 'PORTUGAL' or 'CORREIO'. Early issues often feature portraits of monarchs. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Portugal stamps are extensively listed in all 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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