Bolivia Philatelic Appraisal

Bolivian 5 Centavos Stamp (Condor Design)

This item is a postage stamp from Bolivia, featuring a vivid green color scheme with a central illustration of a condor in flight. The stamp is rectangular with perforated edges, indicative of its typical manufacturing process. The main design element is a large, majestic condor, presumably a representation of the Andean Condor, soaring amidst clouds. This central image is enclosed within a circular frame. Above the condor, elegantly curved text reads "CORREOS DE BOLIVIA," indicating its country of origin and purpose as a postal service stamp. Below the central design, the denomination "5 CINCO CENTAVOS" is clearly visible, flanked by the numeral "5" in both lower corners. The overall design features ornate scrollwork and decorative filigree around the text and the central image, typical of early to mid-20th-century philatelic designs, suggesting an estimated age from that period. The stamp exhibits some condition issues, most notably a significant dark black mark or ink smudge on the left-hand side, partially obscuring the "CORREOS" text and extending into the condor illustration. There are also smaller black flecks near the top left corner, and the perforations show some wear and minor tears, particularly on the left edge. The color appears somewhat muted, possibly due to age, environmental exposure, or the photograph's quality. Despite the visible damage, the intricate details of the condor and the surrounding decorative elements are still discernible, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in its production.