Andorra- a closer look at the stamp issues

1940 Scott 53A 1.50fr crimson 

"Gorge of St. Julia"

Into the Deep Blue
The 2011 Scott Classic Specialized catalogue has, for Andorra 1928-1943, 40 major numbers for the Spanish administration, and 109 major numbers for the French administration. Total = 149 major descriptive numbers. Of those, 44 are CV <$1-$1+, or 29%. Andorra is somewhat expensive for the WW classical collector.

Andorra

A closer look at the stamps and issues
100 Centimos = 1 Peseta
100 Centimes = 1 Franc

Spanish Administration

1928 Scott 3 10c green "King Alfonso XIII"

Stamps of Spain, 1922-26, overprinted in Red or Black

The 12 stamp Spanish administration issue of 1928 is overprinted, as shown above. Scott has a note that the stamps tend to be poorly centered. I suspect that the Spanish postal authorities took their worst stamps, and overprinted them for Andorra. ;-) Six of the stamps have a CV <$1-$3+. Of note, is that Scott also lists a perf 14 minor number issue for 1928  (16 stamps) that is rather expensive.

Spanish Administration

1937 Scott 25 2c red brown "La Vall"

There is a Spanish administration 1929 12 stamp issue that has control numbers on the back and is Perf 14. This issue had five designs, including the one pictured above. There is also a 8 stamp minor issue with control numbers on the back found between the years 1931-38 with Perf 11 1/2. Clearly, one will need to pay attention to perforations here.

Between 1936-43, a 14 stamp issue without control numbers and Perf 11 1/2 X 11 was released. An example is shown above.

French Administration

1931 Scott 2 2c red brown "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity"

Stamps and Types of France 1900-29, Overprinted

Meanwhile the French administration had their own stamp issues. The first one was released in 1931, and used 22 overprinted French stamps from 1900-29. Six of them have CV $1+-$5+.

1932 Scott 27 10c dull lilac "Bridge of St. Anthony"

A lovely long (56 stamps!) French administration issue was released between 1932-43, and had five designs.

 Pont de Sant Antoni de la Grella 

The Pont de Sant Antoni de la Grella is a Romanesque bridge south of the village of Anyos, and still exists! My desire to visit Andorra just went up 1000%.   ;-)

1940 Scott 46A 80c blue green 

"Gorge of St. Julia"

The 1932-43 issue is interesting, because some are inexpensive, while others are quite expensive. The 80c blue green pictured above is CV <$1. While another "Gorge of St. Julia" stamp, the 1933 Scott 54 1.75fr violet is @ $100+!

1940 Scott 60A 3fr red brown 

"Chapel of Meritxell'

Our Lady of Meritxell is the patron saint of Andorra. However, the chapel pictured on these stamps burned down in 1972. My!...what a peaceful scene!

Postage Due 1931 Scott J9 1c olive green

On French Stamps of 1927-31

Postage due stamps from France - here 1927-31- were overprinted as shown. The CV for this seven stamp issue ranges up to $200+!

Deep Blue

French Administration 1936-42 "Coat of Arms" Issue in Deep Blue

Deep Blue (Steiner) has 13 pages for Andorra, and has a space for all the major Scott numbers. In addition, Deep Blue has spaces for the Spanish administration 1875 "Coat of Arms" issue ( Found in the Edifil Spanish catalogue), and the Spanish administration 1931-34 perf 11 1/2 minor number stamps.

Newspaper stamp 1931 Scott P1 1/2c on 1c gray

Out of the Blue

Andorra is one of those countries where dealers seem to have not much earlier stock- especially Spanish Andorra. If you find a good source- let me know. ;-)

Note: Pic appears to be in the public domain.

Note: This additional material has been added to the original Andorra post.

Comments welcomed!