Mozambique 1916 "Pela Patria" War Tax Surcharge

Mozambique · 1916 · 6c on 5c

This is a war tax stamp from the Portuguese colony of Mozambique. The stamp features a red surcharge "TAXA DE GUERRA / 6c." and a black overprint "PELA PATRIA" (For the Fatherland) on a 1911 5 centavos definitive stamp depicting the Portuguese coat of arms. The surcharge indicates its purpose was to raise funds for Portugal's involvement in World War I.

Issued during World War I, these stamps were a common method used by Portugal and its colonies to finance the war effort. The overprint reflects the patriotic sentiment of the time.