Two stamps from Spain with fine arts appeal

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Located on the Iberian peninsula of Europe, Spain was home to both Carthaginian and Roman colonies in antiquity. A Christian land conquered by the Muslims in the eighth century, it was slowly and painfully retaken by Christian forces in the Reconquista from 722 to 1492.

Beginning in 1492, with the voyage of Christopher Columbus, Spain created one of the largest empires the world has ever known, with colonies in North and South America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific region.

A bitter civil war from 1936 to 1939, in which Germany and Italy supported the Nationalists while the Soviet Union backed the leftist Republicans, set the stage for World War II.

The Spanish monarchy and democracy returned in 1975.

Spain and area is one of the more popular collecting interests.

On Dec. 1, 1947, Spain issued two airmail stamps, a 25-peseta Manuel de Falla (Scott C123) and a 50p Ignacio Zuloaga (C124).

De Falla (1876-1946) was one of Spain’s most important musical composers of the 20th century. Zuloaga (1870-1945) was an important and influential Spanish painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue values the two stamps at $120 in unused, hinged condition. A set in mint, never-hinged condition is valued at $200.

These stamps are also popular with fine arts topical collectors.

The set is a good buy in very fine grade at 75 percent of Scott catalog value. The Scott catalog warns that counterfeits exist. An imperforate variety of the 50p stamp is valued at $1,200.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter
    Like us on Facebook
    Follow us on Twitter