Argentina, Corrientes Province, First Issue

Argentina · 1856 · 1 Real

This stamp, the first issue from the province of Corrientes, features a crude, locally engraved portrait of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. The design was hand-engraved on a woodblock, resulting in significant variations between individual stamps. It is notable for being one of the earliest stamps issued in South America.

Issued by the province of Corrientes while it was a semi-independent state, this stamp predates the first national issues of Argentina. These provincial stamps were used for local postage until 1880.