Portugal Colonies, General Issue

Portugal Colonies · 1898 · 2½r

This stamp features a portrait of King Carlos I of Portugal, facing left, within an ornate circular frame. The design is based on contemporary coinage and was intended for use across all Portuguese colonies, hence it does not bear a specific colony's name. The denomination '2½ REIS' is inscribed at the bottom.

Issued in 1898, this was the first general issue for all Portuguese colonies, replacing individual colonial issues for certain postal rates. This standardization effort reflected Portugal's attempt to centralize and streamline its colonial administration during the late 19th century.