Peru 1857 Coat of Arms, First Issue
Peru · 1857 · 1/2 Real
This stamp is the first issue of Peru, featuring the national Coat of Arms. The design includes a shield divided into three fields: a vicuña, a cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a cornucopia overflowing with coins, all surmounted by a civic crown. This classic design is finely engraved and printed on blue paper.
Issued in 1857, this stamp marks Peru's entry into the global postal system, replacing handstamps and pre-paid envelopes. It was part of a set of two stamps, with the other being a 1 Peseta value, intended for domestic mail.
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.
