Chile 5 Centavos Christopher Columbus

Name: Chile 5 Centavos Christopher Columbus
Brand: Chile

Chile · 1853 · 5 Centavos

This is the first postage stamp issued by Chile, featuring a left-facing portrait of Christopher Columbus. The design, engraved by John Williams of Boston, is set within an ornate rectangular frame with the denomination 'CINCO CENTAVOS' below the portrait and 'COLON' above. The stamp was printed in London by Perkins, Bacon & Co.

Issued in 1853, this stamp marks Chile's entry into the global postal system, replacing a complex system of handstamps and prepayment. The choice of Columbus reflects the era's Eurocentric view of American history.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

explorers famous-people portraits classic-stamps

Catalog Numbers

sg7

scott7

michel1

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$250

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$175

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$100

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$50

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$20

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.