Santander Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Santander Stamps
Santander was a short-lived sovereign state in South America, existing briefly in 1857 as the Republic of Santander, carved out of the northern region of what is now Colombia. Its postal history is extremely brief, marked by provisional issues reflecting its separation from the Granadine Confederation before its swift reintegration. Stamps from this period typically bear Spanish inscriptions, consistent with the dominant language of the region at the time. The existence of Santander's stamps is a fascinating footnote in the complex political fragmentation and reunification processes characteristic of early Colombian postal history.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- South America
- Issuing period:
- 1857 – 1857
- Languages:
- Spanish
- Currency:
- Colombian Peso
- Parent issuer:
- Granadine Confederation
Stamp Catalogs
Santander stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Santander Stamp Series
Provisional Issues (1857)
The only issues from Santander, these provisional stamps were surcharged or handstamped Granadine Confederation stamps, reflecting the brief period of independence.
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Santander Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Santander stamps are rare due to their extremely limited period of issue and low production numbers. Values vary significantly based on condition, specific provisional marking, and cancellation. Forgeries and facsimiles are known, so expert authentication is crucial for higher-value items.
How to Identify Santander Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Santander stamps:
- 1 Look for 'SANTANDER' overprints or handstamps on Granadine Confederation stamps.
- 2 Examine the underlying Granadine Confederation stamp for its original design and denomination.
- 3 Pay close attention to the type of overprint or handstamp, as variations exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Santander stamps?
Santander stamps are provisional issues from a short-lived sovereign state in South America, existing briefly in 1857. They typically consist of Granadine Confederation stamps overprinted or handstamped with 'SANTANDER' to reflect its temporary independence before reintegration into what is now Colombia.
Are Santander stamps valuable?
Yes, Santander stamps are generally valuable due to their extreme rarity and historical significance. Common examples can fetch $50-$200, while rare varieties or well-preserved specimens can command prices from $500 to over $5,000. Their value is highly dependent on authenticity, condition, and the specific provisional marking.
How can I identify Santander stamps?
To identify Santander stamps, look for the 'SANTANDER' overprint or handstamp on stamps originally issued by the Granadine Confederation. Pay attention to the underlying stamp's design and denomination. Due to their rarity and the existence of forgeries, using a stamp identifier app or consulting with a philatelic expert is highly recommended for authentication.
Which catalogs list Santander stamps?
Santander stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, their characteristics, and estimated values.
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