SCADTA Stamps
SCADTA, or the Sociedad Colombiana de Transportes Aéreos, was a German-owned airline operating primarily in Colombia, South America, during the early 20th century. While not a sovereign nation, SCADTA issued its own distinctive airmail stamps, primarily between 1920 and 1930, to prepay for air transport services across the Colombian interior and internationally.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1930
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish, German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Colombia
About SCADTA stamps
These stamps are highly significant in philatelic geography as they represent a unique period of private international airmail infrastructure development within the Colombian postal system. The inscriptions on these issues are predominantly in Spanish, reflecting the operational environment, before the airline was fully nationalized and integrated into the regular Colombian postal service.
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.
- SCADTA
How to identify SCADTA stamps
- Look for 'SCADTA' or 'Servicio Aéreo' inscriptions, often alongside 'Colombia'.
- Many early issues are surcharges on regular Colombian stamps, so examine the overprint carefully.
- Designs frequently feature biplanes, seaplanes, or aerial views of Colombian geography.
- Pay attention to watermarks (though not always present or unique to SCADTA) and perforation details.
Popular series
-
First SCADTA Airmail Issues
1920-1921
The initial set of stamps, often surcharged on Colombian regular issues, marking the beginning of private airmail service.
-
SCADTA Regular Airmail Issues
1921-1923
Distinctive designs featuring aircraft and Colombian landscapes, printed specifically for SCADTA's airmail services.
-
Provisional Surcharges
1924-1929
Various surcharges applied to existing SCADTA stamps to meet changing postal rates or currency adjustments.
-
Later SCADTA Issues
1929-1930
The final issues before the airline's full integration into the national postal system, often featuring updated designs.
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
- $5–$50
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Common SCADTA stamps are relatively affordable, especially used copies. However, early issues, specific surcharges, errors, and stamps on cover can command significant prices. Condition is paramount, with well-centered, fresh copies being more valuable.
Catalogs. SCADTA 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 SCADTA stamps
SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos) stamps were airmail stamps issued by a German-owned airline operating primarily in Colombia during the 1920s and early 1930s. They were used to prepay for air transport services before the airline was nationalized.
The value of SCADTA stamps varies widely. While many common issues are affordable, early surcharges, specific varieties, errors, and stamps on original airmail covers can be quite valuable, ranging from hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Rarity and condition are key factors.
SCADTA stamps are identified by their 'SCADTA' or 'Servicio Aéreo' inscriptions, often in conjunction with 'Colombia'. Many feature early aircraft or Colombian landscapes. For precise identification and catalog numbers, use a philatelic catalog or a stamp identification app that can scan and recognize these unique issues.
SCADTA stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Colombia, specialized airmail sections), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs for Colombian philately also provide detailed listings.
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