Mexico 1856 Hidalgo Issue, First Stamps of Mexico
Mexico · 1856 · 1/2 real
This stamp features a portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence. As the first postage stamp issued by Mexico, it is a classic of 19th-century philately, known for its crude engraving and the use of district overprints to prevent theft.
Issued in 1856, this stamp marks Mexico's entry into the postal union system, reflecting a period of modernization and national identity formation following decades of internal conflict.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
