Philippines – Spanish possession

The Philippines was a Spanish colony since 1565.

Isabella II issues
Quite possibly, any and all Isabella issues have been forged.  File:Phi 1854.jpg|1854 1 real value File:Philipp 1855 5c.jpg|1855 5c redrawn File:Philippines 1856.jpg|1856 1 real value. This is the same stamp as the Cuban one, identifiable as a Philippines usage by the cancel. File:Philippines 1862.jpg|1859 5c value. File:Phi 10c interior.jpg|1863 10c value File:Phi 1864 Isabella.jpg|1864 6-2/8c value 
 * In 1854, four values with a rather simply engraved portrait of Isabella II were issued. They are only inscribed CORREOS 1854 Y 55 along with the value in centimos or real forte. Naturally, forgeries exist.
 * In 1855, a new design was released was a solid background behind the head. A revised/redrawn verson was also released with a complete circle around the portrait.
 * In 1856, two stamps in another new design was issued on blue paper, inscribed CORREOS at top and the value expressed as RL. PLATA F. in the bottom tablet. These are the same stamps that were used in Cuba that can only be positively indentified by cancels.
 * In 1859, lithographed stamps inscribed CORREOS . INTERIOR and FRANCO preceding the value were issued.
 * In 1861-62, two slightly different designs were issued.
 * In 1863, new designs were issued, thought the similar-looking 5c was now inscribed CORREOS : INTERIOR. The other two designs are just headed CORREOS.
 * In 1864, stamps with the portrait facing to the left were released. Again, the design is only headed "CORREOS" with the values expressed as CENT · PO. FE..

Provisional government and Duke de la Torre Regency
In late 1868, Spain deposed Isabella II. A provisional goverment was set up, later becoming a regency under the Duke de la Torre in June 1869 until a new monarch could be selected.  File:Philippines Habilitado.jpg|1871 1r overprint File:Phi Duke de 10c.jpg|1871 10c "España" 
 * In 1868-74, old stamps were handstamp overprinted HABILITADO / POR LA / NACION.
 * In 1871, stamps showing the head of "España" were issued, denominated in centimos de Escudo.

Amadeo issue
In January 1871, Amadeo (Amadeo I) became king of Spain.  File:Phi Amadeo.jpg|1874 16c Amadeo 
 * In 1872 a definitive series with his portrait was issued. It was (finally) inscribed with the country name, FILIPINAS.

First Spanish Republic issue
In February 1873, Amadeo abdicated. A republican government was established.  File:Phi 12 seated Esp.jpg|12c value 
 * In 1874, stamps with a design of a seated "España" were released.

Alfonso XII issues
In November 1874, Alfonso XII became king of Spain.  File:Phi 1879 25m.jpg|1879 25m value File:Phi HAB on judicial.jpg|1881 2c on 10c judicial stamp File:Philippines 20c.jpg|1882 20c value File:Philipp 1886 2ndretouch.jpg|1886 2-4/8c, second retouch File:Philippines Giro.jpg|surcharge for giro service (not for use as postage) 
 * In 1875-77, stamps with the portrait of the new king were issued. These were denominated in "C. DE PESO".
 * In 1877-79, three values were surcharged with HABILITADO and a 12½ value expressed in "Cs. PTA. U POSTAL in an octagonal frame.
 * In 1878-79, the currency was changed with deniminations now in milesimas, expressed as fractions of pesos.
 * In 1879, stamps were surcharged COVENIO / UNIVERSAL DE / CORREOS.
 * In 1880-86, stamps with a new larger portrait were issued.
 * In 1881-88, various stamps were surcharged with new values.
 * Postage stamps were surcharged with an unframed round handstamp, reading HABILITADO and either CORREOS, PA. CORREOS, PA. U POSTAL or U POSTAL. Various values have surcharges in up to three possible colors.
 * Framed handstamped surcharges reading either UNION GRAL POSTAL / HABILITADO or HABILITADO COMUNICACIONES were also released.
 * Three different revenue stamps were also issued with surcharges. They read either HABILITADO / PARA / CORREOS (either circular or in three lines), or HABILITADO / CORREOS. Again, various values come in different colors.
 * Telegraph stamps with the same designs as postage stamps but headed TELEGRAFOS were also surcharged. This was either with an unframed HABILITADO / PA. CORREOS, or the oval HABILITADO / COMUNICACIONES.

Alfonso XIII issues
In May 1886, Alfonso XIII became king of Spain.  File:Phi 1887 HABILITADO.jpg|1887 10c on 2 4/8c HABILITADO surcharge File:Phi 6c baby.jpg|1896 6c "Baby" File:Phi 1897 HAB octag.jpg|1897 5c habilitado surcharge File:Phi 1898 3c.jpg|1898 3c value 
 * In 1887-89, three Alfonso XII designs were issued in new values.
 * In 1890-97, the "Baby" series of definitives was released.
 * In 1897, stamps of the previous issue were surcharged in values repeating the original value. This was a rectangular frame with rounded corners dated "1897".
 * In 1898, a new Alfonso XIII definitive series was issued.
 * Later in 1898 following the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States.