Peru 1/2 Dinero Blue, Pacific Steam Navigation Company

Peru · 1857 · 1/2 Dinero

This stamp, considered Peru's first, features a central design of a steamship under sail, representing the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, which was responsible for mail transport. The denomination '1/2' is inscribed in the upper corners, with 'PORTE-FRANCO' at the top and 'PSNC LIMA' at the bottom, indicating pre-paid postage and the company's Lima office.

Issued by the Pacific Steam Navigation Company under contract with the Peruvian government, this stamp prepaid mail carried on their ships between Peruvian ports. It is a classic and historically significant issue, marking the beginning of adhesive postage stamps in Peru.