Chile 5 Centavos "Porte Franco" First Issue

Name: Chile 5 Centavos "Porte Franco" First Issue
Brand: Chile

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 the American Bank Note Company, is based on a portrait by Randolph Rogers. The inscription "PORTE FRANCO" indicates that postage has been paid.

Issued in 1853, 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.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

portraits explorers christopher-columbus classic-stamps

Catalog Numbers

sg1

scott1

michel1

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$150

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$100

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$60

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$30

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$10

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