Chile 1853 Christopher Columbus Imperforate

Chile · 1853 · 5 Centavos

This is the first postage stamp issued by Chile, featuring a portrait of Christopher Columbus. The design, engraved by John Williams of Boston, is based on a portrait by an unknown artist. The stamp was issued imperforate and printed in brown.

Issued during the presidency of Manuel Montt, this stamp marks Chile's entry into the postal reform movement that began with Great Britain's Penny Black. It standardized postage rates and facilitated communication within the country.