Panama 5 Pesos Black Proof, Block of 4

Panama · 1887 · 5 Pesos

This is a block of four imperforate proofs for the 5 Pesos stamp from Panama's 1887-88 series. The central design features a map of the Isthmus of Panama, flanked by portraits of Ferdinand de Lesseps on the left and Napoleon Bonaparte on the right, key figures related to the Panama Canal project. The proofs are printed in black on india paper.

Issued during the period of French attempts to build the Panama Canal, this series highlights key figures associated with the ambitious but ultimately failed project. The high denomination reflects the significant postal rates of the era.