Guatemala issued its first stamps in 1871; these first stamps showed the Guatemalan coat-of-arms and came in four different centavo values. At that time, the Guatemala currency system was 1 peso = 8 reales or 100 centavos. Early stamps featured the inscription CORREOS DE GUATEMALA.
For its first few decades of stamp issuance, Guatemala made frequent use of overprints and surcharges, and this approach has created a fascinating and extensive opportunity for collectors to spend time finding unique pieces for their collections.
In 1927, Guatemala revised its system of currency; from this point forward, the main unit was renamed the quetzal (pronounced ‘KET-sal’), divided into 100 centavos de quetzal. Around this time, stamps were sometimes inscribed REPÚBLICA GUATEMALA, CORREO GUATEMALA, or simply GUATEMALA.
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Guatemalan stamp designs have generally shown a fondness for technology and modernity, and the country has issued some striking designs and made bold use of color and form. There have also been air post stamps, official stamps, semipostals, and other nice collectibles. Check the listings for Guatemalan stamps for sale currently.
