Portugal Postage Due Stamp, Blue

Portugal · 1904 · 50r

This stamp is a classic example of a postage due issue, designed for purely functional purposes. The design is dominated by a large numeral '50' indicating the value, enclosed within an ornate, decorative frame. The text 'PORTEADO' at the top signifies 'postage due', and 'RECEBER' below means 'to receive', instructing the postal worker to collect the amount shown.

Issued in the early 20th century during the final years of the Portuguese monarchy, these stamps were used to collect insufficient postage from the recipient of a letter. Their simple, clear design was typical for utilitarian postal issues of the period.