StampVault
Back to Catalog
Chile, 1853 First Issue, Christopher Columbus
uncommonpre-1900

Chile, 1853 First Issue, Christopher Columbus

Chile · 1853 · 5c

This is the first postage stamp issued by Chile, featuring a portrait of Christopher Columbus. The design, engraved by John Peter Desmadryl, is based on a portrait by Randolph Rogers. It was printed in London by Perkins, Bacon & Co. and issued imperforate.

Issued during the presidency of Manuel Montt, this stamp marks Chile's entry into the global postal system, following the trend of adhesive postage stamps started by Great Britain's Penny Black in 1840.

Catalog Numbers

sg1
scott1
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.