Chile 1867-1909 -a closer look

1867 Scott 18 10c blue "Christopher Columbus"

Unwmk., Perf 12

Into the Deep Blue
Except for some telegraph stamps overprinted/surcharged in 1904, all of the regular issues of Chile from 1853-1909 show the visage of Christopher Columbus. That is what you get with Chile.

The last Chile post covered the complex issues between 1853-1865. This post will cover the fortunately less confusing, but still interesting issues between 1867-1909.

A closer look
100 Centavos = 1 Peso

1867 Scott 19 20c green "Christopher Columbus"

Unwmk., Perf 12

In 1867, a five stamp engraved new design issue was released. The issue, classic in appearance,  offers little confusion, as the design was used only for this production.

CV (used)  range from $2 to $30  Be aware that pen cancellations have a lower CV ($1+).

1877 Scott 22 5c dull lake

Rouletted

In 1877, a five stamp rouletted set was issued. This design was unique for this issue. CV is a modest $2-$4+.

I should mention that the 5c (shown above) has a straight "centavos" panel, while the other denominations have a curved "centavos" panel.

1899 Scott 33 30c rose carmine

Rouletted

The 1878-99 issue (12 stamps) looks similar to the 1877 issue, except the "centavos" panel is placed below the denomination numerals.

CV is <$1 to $3+, except the 50c lilac color (Scott 34) is $35. Be aware that the much more common 50c violet (Scott 35) is only CV $3+. On inspection, it looks like my "50c lilac" is actually a "50c violet". :-(

1892 Scott 36 1p dark brown & black

Rouletted

The highest denomination stamp in the 1878-99 issue has a more grand design - here shown. The CV is still a modest $3+.

1894 Scott 38 2c carmine lake

Re-engraved

In 1894, the 1c and 2c were re-engraved. Scott shows the clear differences in their catalogue. The re-engraved specimens  have a thicker "1", and a much thinner curly-cue for the top of the "2".

1900 Scott 41 5c deep blue

Type I

Between 1900-01, a seven denomination stamp issue was released in a "Type I" design. Type I is defined as a heavy shadow or shading below "Chile" and immediately around the adjacent ornaments above the top of the Columbus visage. CV is <$1 - $2+.

1901 Scott 48 5c dull blue

Type II

There is also a Type II design released in 1901 for the lower four denominations. Type II is defined as no heavier shading below "Chile" and the ornaments. CV is <$1.

I should say that Scott had a confusing definition for Type I/II in my 2011 Classic 1840-1940 Scott catalogue. (In fact, I had the Type I/II stamps reversed in the Deep Blue spaces.) But, with the 2020 Classic 1840-1940 Scott, the above definitions are given, as well as a comparative illustration. 

There should now be little cause for confusion. If you need additional comparison, the 20c, 30c & 50c only come as Type I.

1900 Scott 50 5c on 30c rose carmine

Black Surcharge

In 1900, the 1899 Scott 33 30c rose carmine was surcharged "5" in black as shown above. CV is <$1.

Postage Due 1895 Scott J29 80c red/yellow

Lithographed, Perf 11

Switching to Postage Due, the first issue for Chile was a 1895 twelve stamp lithographic issue. CV is $5+ for each. Note the Perf is 11.

The Perf measurements are important, as the similar 1896 Postage Due issue (12 stamps) is Perf 13 1/2. The CV for the 1896 issue is <$1-$10+. (An example of the 1896 stamp is shown in the "Out of the Blue" section.)

Postage Due 1898 Scott J46 10c scarlet

Perf 13

In 1898, a five stamp postage due issue was released with Perf 13. Note counterfeits are known with Perf 11 1/2 and 14.

1901-02 Scott 56 50c red orange & black

Perf 12

In 1901-02, a six stamp set was released as above. The 10c, 30c, & 50c are bi-colored. CV is <$1-$2+.

1903 Scott 57 10c on 30c orange

Rouletted

In 1903, the 1901 Type I Scott 44 30c deep orange was surcharged "Diez Centavos" in deep blue. CV is <$1.

1904 Scott 61 10c olive green Type I

Telegraph stamps Overprinted, Perf 12

In 1904, a ten postal stamp issue was released by overprinting/surcharging telegraph stamps.

The stamps showing the coat of arms (seven stamps) can be found as Type I or Type II.

Type I has Perf 12.

Type I

Type I is characterized by a horse on the left of the coat of arms with no mane and no tail.

1904 Scott 64 3c on 1p brown, Type II

Telegraph stamps Surcharged, Perf 12 1/2 to 16

Type II has Perfs 12 1/2 to 16.

Type II

Type II is characterized by a horse with a mane and tail.

1904 Scott 67 12c on 5c brown red

"Pedro de Valdivia"

Three other stamps in the 1904 "telegraph stamps" overprinted/surcharged release show "Pedro de Valdivia", a Spanish conquistador and the first royal governor of Chile.

CV for the ten stamps is <$1 to $60.

1905-09 Scott 71 5c ultramarine

Perf 12

Between 1905-10, an eleven stamp issue with three designs was released.

The four lower denominations had a design as shown above.

1905-09 Scott 77 50c ultramarine & black

Perf 12

The six middle denominations were bi-colored with this design. CV for the issue ranges from <$1 to $10+.

1905-09 Scott 78a 1p green & gray

Perf 12

The highest denomination has this larger format Columbus design. The minor number (shown here) is "green & gray", while the major number adds a metallic gold sheen.

Postage Due 1896 Scott J37 20c red/straw

Perf 13 1/2

Out of the Blue

It is remarkable how inexpensive in general this stamp era (1867-1909) is for Chile. 

Comments appreciated!