Atacama Stamp Appraisal

Chilean '1536-1936 Decierto de Atacama' 5 Cts Postage Stamp

This item is a Chilean postage stamp, primarily red/orange in color with white details, depicting a landscape scene of the Atacama Desert. The stamp is rectangular with perforated edges, indicating it was intended for postal use and was likely part of a larger sheet. The central image portrays a rugged, mountainous, or hilly desert terrain, possibly with some form of water body or dry riverbed in the foreground, rendered in a stylized, somewhat linear or etched artistic style. Above the landscape, in a white banner against the red background, the text 'CORREOS DE CHILE' is clearly visible, identifying the issuing country and purpose. At the bottom left, a white square contains '5', indicating a denomination of 5 units. To the right of the landscape, also against the red background, 'Cts' is printed in white, signifying 'Centavos'. Below the main image, in a smaller font, is the inscription 'DECIERTO DE ATACAMA' and below that '1536 — 1936', suggesting a commemorative issue, possibly marking a 400-year anniversary related to the Atacama Desert. Further below, a very small line of text, difficult to fully decipher but appears to be 'TALLER DE ESPECIES VALORADAS SANTIAGO - CHILE', likely indicates the printer and location. The stamp's condition appears relatively good, with crisp perforations and no significant visible creasing or damage. The color is vibrant, consistent with its age. Given the '1936' date, it belongs to that era, characterized by detailed illustrative designs and a focus on national landmarks or historical events in philately. The borders feature a decorative pattern of interconnected ovals along the vertical sides, and horizontal lines along the top and bottom, framing the central image effectively. The overall quality of printing appears fine for a postage stamp of this period, with clear lines and text.