Costa Rica 1889 'CORREOS' Overprints on Revenue Stamps

Costa Rica · 1889 · 1 Centavo, 5 Centavos

This set features two stamps, a 1 Centavo and a 5 Centavos, depicting a portrait of a distinguished gentleman within an ornate frame. Both stamps bear a prominent 'CORREOS' overprint, indicating their provisional use for postal services.

Issued in 1889, these stamps are provisional issues created by overprinting existing revenue stamps with 'CORREOS' (Spanish for 'Posts') to serve as postage stamps due to a shortage of regular postal issues. This practice was common in many countries during periods of postal reform or supply shortages.