Colombian States - Boyaca & Cundinamarca

Boyaca 1903 Scott 17 10p black/buff

"President Jose Manuel Marroquin"

Into the Deep Blue

Now Departments within the Republic of Colombia, Boyaca and Cundinamarca were originally "States", and issued stamps between 1870-1904 (Cundinamarca) and 1902-1904 (Boyaca).

Colombian States - Boyaca & Cundinamarca

Colombia (Map by Gerben van Gelder )

So far, we have had posts on the Colombian States of Antioquia and Bolivar.

Also, there was an earlier 2011 post about Big Blue's coverage (or lack of) for the Colombian States.

Boyaca - a closer look

100 Centavos = 1 Peso

The State of Boyaca was late to the game: only issuing stamps between 1902-1904.

1903 Scott 4 10c dark gray "Coat of Arms"

Imperforate

The most substantial issue for Boyaca was released in 1903, and consisted of five denominations and five designs for the imperforate version.

1903 Scott 5 20c red brown "Coat of Arms"

As is usual for Colombia and Colombian States stamps of the era, they were produced lithographically.

1903 Scott 6 1p red 

CV for the imperforate five stamp issue is <$1 to $6+.

1903 Scott 10 10c dark gray "Coat of Arms"

Perf 12

The 1903 issue also had a Perf 12 version, given major numbers by Scott

1903 Scott 11 20c red brown "Coat of Arms"

Perf 12

CV for the seven stamp Perf 12 issue ranges from <$1 to $22.

1903 Scott 13 50c dull blue

"Gen. Prospero Pinzon"

Perf 12

An additional design is found with the Perf 12 issue: this one in 50c green (Scott 12) and 50c dull blue (above - Scott 13).

1903 Scott 17 10p black/buff

"President Jose Manuel Marroquin"

Perf 12

A larger format was used for the 10 peso denomination (and 5 peso - not shown).  CV for the 10p black/buff is $2+. The 10 peso stamp can also be found in black/rose (CV $22).

I note for the "Perf 12" stamps, some of the sides almost look like sewing machine perfs.

1904 Scott 18 10c orange

"Statue of Bolivar"

Perf 12

The last issue for Boyaca was in 1904, and consists of this one stamp. CV is <$1.

Cundinamarca - a closer look

100 Centavos = 1 Peso

Cundinamarca issued stamps between 1870 - 1904

I should mention at the outset that Cundinamarca ( and other Colombian States, and naturally Colombia) are infested with fakes/forgeries. It is truly hard for the non specialist to obtain information about them. Nevertheless, I did find an internet discussion link for Cundinamarcan fakes. Thanks Will and The Stamp Forum! Unfortunately, for the specific stamps discussed (1870, 1886) I don't have a copy. It does sound, though, that, for the counterfeit 1870 issue, there are long scratches through the plate in the upper half of the stamp. And, if the stamp copy is not clearly printed, it is probably a forgery.

1882 Scott 7 50c purple "Coat of Arms"

Imperforate

Between 1877-1882, a lithographic four "coat of arms" design, four denomination issue was released.

CV is <$1-$10+.

1884 Scott 11 5c blue "Coat of Arms"

Redrawn

A 5c blue design was issued in 1884. Scott 10 has a period after the A of COLOMBIA. The redrawn stamp (Scott 11) does not have this period. Both types are CV <$1.

1904 Scott 24 2c gray blue

In 1904, a twelve stamp nine design issue for Cundinamarca was released.

1904 Scott 29 20c blue/green

One can tell one is in the philatelic backwoods with this issue. My 2011 Scott has four of the designs still illustrated in black & white. All of the black & white illustration stamps are CV <$1. !! My 2020 Scott finally shows these illustrations in color.

1904 Scott 33 50c red violet

The issue comes in Perf 10 1/2, 12 (major numbers) and imperforate (minor numbers).

1904 Scott 34 1p gray green

CV for the 1904 twelve stamp issue (major numbers) is  <$1-$1+, except for the 40c blue/buff @ $40+. 

1904 Scott F2 10c bister

Registration Stamp

In 1904, besides the twelve stamp regular issue, a registration stamp was produced. CV is $1+.

The year 1904 proved to be the last of the issues for the Colombian States/Departments.

Out of the Blue

I find it quite curious that these fairly obscure States issues tend to have a very modest CV. Yet, these stamps are not all that common in WW collections. Supply/Demand curve?

Note: I'm going to now do  updates on other "C" and possibly "D"  countries, and leave Colombian States: Santander & Tolima for a later time.

Comments appreciated!