Tolima Stamps
Tolima is a department located in the Andean region of central Colombia, South America. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to that of the Republic of Colombia, following the dissolution of Gran Colombia and subsequent national postal administrations.
- Issued stamps
- 1870–1903
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- COP
- Languages
- Spanish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Colombia
About Tolima stamps
Stamps issued for this region, when separately administered or during periods of localized postal service, would primarily feature Spanish, the official language of Colombia. The administrative history of Tolima reflects the broader political evolution of Colombia from the 19th century onward, with postal services generally centralized under the national postal authority.
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.
- ESTADO SOBERANO DE TOLIMA
- DEPARTAMENTO DE TOLIMA
How to identify Tolima stamps
- Look for the inscription 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE TOLIMA' or 'DEPARTAMENTO DE TOLIMA'.
- Examine the designs for the Colombian coat of arms, allegorical figures, or portraits of historical figures.
- Check for overprints or surcharges, which were common during certain periods of Tolima's postal history.
Popular series
-
First Issues
1870-1871
The initial set of stamps issued by Tolima, often featuring the coat of arms or allegorical figures, reflecting the nascent postal autonomy.
-
Provisional Issues
1880s
Stamps issued during periods of political instability or postal shortages, often characterized by surcharges or overprints on existing Colombian or departmental stamps.
-
Definitive Issues
1890s
Regular issues with various designs, including portraits of national heroes or local landmarks, used for standard postal services within the department.
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–$1,000+
The value of Tolima stamps varies significantly based on condition, rarity, specific issue, and whether they are used or unused. Early issues, errors, and stamps with clear postmarks tend to command higher prices. Provisional issues and those from periods of conflict can also be quite valuable.
Catalogs. Tolima 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 Tolima stamps
Tolima stamps are postage stamps issued by the Department of Tolima, a region in central Colombia, during a period of semi-autonomous postal administration from 1870 to 1903. These stamps were used for postal services within the department and sometimes for mail to other parts of Colombia.
Some Tolima stamps can be quite valuable, especially early issues, provisional stamps, errors, and those in fine condition with clear postmarks. Common issues may be worth a few dollars, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars among collectors.
To identify Tolima stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'ESTADO SOBERANO DE TOLIMA' or 'DEPARTAMENTO DE TOLIMA'. Pay attention to the designs, which often feature national symbols or local themes. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Tolima stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Colombia, Departmental Issues), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.