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.
- Issued stamps
- 1857–1857
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Colombian Peso
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Granadine Confederation
About Santander stamps
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.
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.
- SANTANDER
How to identify Santander stamps
- Look for 'SANTANDER' overprints or handstamps on Granadine Confederation stamps.
- Examine the underlying Granadine Confederation stamp for its original design and denomination.
- Pay close attention to the type of overprint or handstamp, as variations exist.
- Check for signs of authenticity, as forgeries are prevalent for these rare issues.
Popular series
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Provisional Issues
1857
The only issues from Santander, these provisional stamps were surcharged or handstamped Granadine Confederation stamps, reflecting the brief period of independence.
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
- $50–$200
- Scarce stamps
- $500–$5,000+
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.
Catalogs. Santander 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 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.
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.
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. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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