Mexico Stamps
Definitives of 1856-1864
The first definitive Mexico stamps were issued in 1856, and they all bore the portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, considered the "Father of the Republic of Mexico".
For additional security against thefts, all of the classical postage stamps of
Mexico were overprinted with the names of
the various postal districts. Sometimes, these overprints included
district numbers and year dates, as well.
The
stamps would be shipped from Mexico City, by stagecoach, and then they
would be overprinted by the district office, once they were received.
As a result, the district office overprints vary greatly in placement,
style, size, and color. District postal officials did not always comply with
this federal requirement, and some of the sheets of stamps were sold
without having any overprints.
At the time the first Mexican postage stamps were issued, Mexico was
divided into about 50 postal districts. Some of the district overprints
are very rare, and they are highly prized by specialists.
The five definitive Mexico stamps shown above were issued in 1856. The stamps are engraved on unwatermarked paper, and they are imperforate.
The Scott catalog attributes are as follows:
- 1/2 R. (1856 - Sc. #1) - Blue.
- 01 R. (1856 - Sc. #2) - Yellow.
- 02 R. (1856 - Sc. #3) - Yellow Green, Blue Green, Emerald.
- 04 R. (1856 - Sc. #4) - Red.
- 08 R. (1856 - Sc. #5) - Red Lilac, Violet.
All of these stamps exist WITHOUT the district overprint. They are valued at only slightly more than the stamps WITH the district overprint.
All of these stamps, except for the 1 Real denomination, have been reprinted several times. The impressions usually show signs of plate wear and they appear smudgy.
Dangerous forgeries also exist, so great care should be taken, when buying any of the more expensive stamps in this set.
The seven definitive Mexico stamps shown above were issued in 1861. Their physical attributes are identical to those of the stamps issued in 1856, except that they are printed in new colors and on colored papers (variable shades).
The Scott catalog attributes are as follows:
- 1/2 R. (1861 - Sc. #6) - Black on Buff.
- 01 R. (1861 - Sc. #7) - Black on Green.
- 02 R. (1861 - Sc. #8) - Black on Pink.
- 04 R. (1861 - Sc. #9) - Black on Yellow.
- 04 R. (1861 - Sc. #10) - Dull Rose on Yellow.
- 08 R. (1861 - Sc. #11) - Black on Red Brown.
- 08 R. (1861 - Sc. #12) - Green on Red Brown.
All of these stamps exist WITHOUT the district overprint.
All of these stamps, except for the 1 Real and 2 Real denominations, have been
reprinted. The reprints are usually on vertically grained paper, whereas the originals are usually on horizontal grained paper. The colors of some of the reprints are sometimes a bit different, as well.
Dangerous forgeries also exist, so great care should be taken, when buying any of the more expensive stamps in this set.
The four definitive Mexico stamps shown above were issued in 1864. These stamps were printed by the American Banknote Co. They are engraved on unwatermarked (usually toned) paper, and they are perforated 12. Authentic examples of all of these stamps must have the district overprint of either Saltillo or Monterrey.
The images shown above are from major auction websites and the stamps are all certified as being authentic.
The Scott catalog attributes are as follows:
- 01 R. (1864 - Sc. #14) - Red.
- 02 R. (1864 - Sc. #15) - Blue.
- 04 R. (1864 - Sc. #16) - Brown.
- 01 P. (1864 - Sc. #17) - Black.
All of these stamps exist in MINT condition, WITHOUT the district overprint, as shown above. These stamps were only used in two districts, and they were in use for only a short period of time, before being replaced. As a result, the mint stamps, without the district overprint are very common, and they have minimal retail value.
Forgeries and forged district overprints also exist. Mint and used examples of the 1864 issue, with either of the two district overprints, are VERY expensive. Only authenticated or certified examples should be purchased.
Here is a link to an excellent web page on the STAMP FORGERIES website, featuring the forged stamps of Mexico for the years 1856 to 1864. The web page features large images, comparing the original stamps with the known forgeries.
Forged Stamps of Mexico 1856-1864
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Return to Mexico Stamps from
Definitives of 1856-1864
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
Drawing c. 1890-1913
Don Miguel Gregorio Antonio Ignacio Hidalgo-Costilla y Gallaga Mandarte Villaseñor, otherwise known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811) was a Roman Catholic Priest and a military leader during the Mexican War of Independence (September 16, 1810 - September 21, 1821). He became a Generalissimo (Supreme Commander) of the Mexican Revolutionary Army, and he is considered the "Father of the Nation" in the Republic of Mexico.
Hidalgo was betrayed, captured, and taken to Chihuahua on March 21, 1811. He was turned over to the Bishop of Durango for defrocking and excommunication on July 27, 1811. Hidalgo was tried for treason by a military court and sentenced to death. He was executed by firing squad and then later beheaded on the morning of July 30, 1811.
September 16, the date the Mexican War of Independence began, is observed as Independence Day in the Republic of Mexico.