Peru Coat of Arms, Pacific Steam Navigation Company Issue

Peru · 1857 · 1/2 oz

This stamp features the Peruvian coat of arms, flanked by llamas and a wreath, within an ornate oval frame. It was issued by the Pacific Steam Navigation Company for carrying mail along the Pacific coast of South America, predating Peru's official government postage stamps.

Issued in 1857, this is considered the first postage stamp of Peru, although it was a private issue by a British shipping company rather than a government one. It marks the beginning of adhesive postage in the country.