Spanish America Philately Appraisal

Spanish Colonies 5 Centavos Postage Stamp, depicting Christopher Columbus (Colon)

This item is a historical postage stamp, likely originating from one of the Spanish Colonies, given the visible text 'S+CORREOS' (presumably 'Correos' for postal service) and 'Colon' with '5 Centavos'. The stamp is predominantly blue, featuring a portrait in a circular frame of a figure, most likely Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon), facing left, with a distinct forehead and facial hair. Below the portrait, the word 'COLON' is prominently displayed, followed by a large numeral '5' and 'CENTAVOS'. The design is intricate, characterized by detailed scrollwork and decorative elements framing the central image and text. Along the left edge, the partial vertical inscription 'S+CORREOS' is visible, suggesting a postal service identifier. The right edge shows a similar ornate border, but the text is less discernible. The overall construction appears to be machine-printed on standard stamp paper. The condition of the stamp exhibits clear signs of age and wear. The edges are roughly perforated, with some perforations missing or torn, particularly on the right side. The impression is somewhat faded and unevenly inked in areas, contributing to a slightly blurry appearance, especially around the finer details and text. There is also evidence of what might be a hinge mark or a small adhesive residue on the upper right corner, indicating it may have been previously mounted in an album. The blue color, while dominant, shows variations in intensity. Based on the denomination and the depiction of 'Colon', this stamp likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when many Spanish colonies issued stamps featuring historical figures and local currency.