Venezuela - First Postage Stamp Issue, 'Escudo de Venezuela'

Venezuela · 1859 · ½ Real

This is the first postage stamp issued by Venezuela, featuring the national Coat of Arms (Escudo de Venezuela) at its center. The design is simple, with the denomination 'MEDIO REAL' inscribed below the arms and 'CORREO DE VENEZUELA' above. This imperforate stamp, printed in yellow, marked the beginning of Venezuela's postal history.

Issued in 1859, this stamp was part of the first series released by the United States of Venezuela to regularize and prepay postage on mail, replacing a system of handstamps and payment upon delivery.