Mexico 1856-1898 Collection

Mexico · 1856 · Various

This collection spans the first four decades of Mexican philately, beginning with the iconic first issues featuring the portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The stamps from this period are known for their intricate engraved designs, district overprints used for security, and a variety of papers and watermarks. Designs often featured national heroes, coats of arms, and numerals of value.

This period covers a tumultuous time in Mexican history, from the end of the Santa Anna era through the Second Mexican Empire under Maximilian I to the long presidency of Porfirio Díaz. The use of district overprints on early stamps was a measure to prevent theft of postal funds during times of civil unrest.