Azores

The Azores is an island group in the Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal.
 * A Portuguese possession for many years, its first stamps were issued in 1868. These were stamps of Portugal overprinted AÇORES.
 * This practice continued for many years with overprints in various styles/fonts.
 * In 1902, the districts of Angra, Horta and Ponta Delgada were allowed to issue their own stamps. Azores stamps were still issued and used at that time.
 * In 1906, the district stamps were stopped and Azores stamps were once again used. The Azores 1906 issue was overprinted A / H / PD to note this.
 * In 1910, the Azores issued stamps inscribed AÇORES, overprinted REPUBLICA in 1910.
 * After 1911, overprinted Portuguese stamps were used once again.
 * These ended in 1931, when stamps of Portugal were used from that point.

 File:Azores embossed.jpg|1871 10 reis value. File:Azores AHPD.jpg|A H PD overprint. File:Azores Ceres.jpg|1920 12 reis value. 

In 1976, the Azores were granted autonomy and in 1980 began issuing their own stamps once again. They are inscribed PORTUGAL AÇORES. Those stamps are valid in Portugal, and catalogs list these modern issues after Portugal.

 File:Azores flowers.jpg|1981 flowers. File:Azores volcano.jpg|2007 anniversary of Capelinhos volcano eruption. 

See

 * Angra
 * Horta
 * Ponta Delgada

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