Welcome to the Classic Latin America blog.
The primary focus is on Central and South American philately prior to 1940, although stamp collectors of most persuasions will find articles of interest.
As well as the individual stamps themselves, I also look at what is going on around them. Events, auctions, news, analysis and commentary about the global stamp market in general, irrespective of geography.
So even if Latin America doesn’t float your boat, you may still find it worthwhile stopping by from time to time.
Why ‘Classic’ Latin America anyway?
So why ‘Classic’ Latin America?
And why cut off at 1940?
There are various philatelic definitions of the word ‘classic’. For some it refers purely to the very first (often) imperforate stamps. To others it stops at the end of the nineteenth century.
The Michel Klassic catalogues have chosen 1914 as their cut-off date whereas the Scott Classic Specialized and Yvert’s Classiques du Monde both plump for 1940.
I’m with Yvert and Scott and have marked the cut-off at 1940, 100 years after the first postage stamp was issued. After 1940 the designs tend to get less interesting, the varieties fewer and the print quantities increase dramatically.
I know, I’m biased.
And just to contradict myself, I’m sure I’ll be slipping some post-1940 stuff in from time to time.