Puerto Rico

under construction

Puerto Rico is an island east of Hispanola/the Dominican Republic. It is currently a Commonwealth of the United States so that it can be thoroughly ignored by that country.

Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony since the time of Columbus. Ownership passed to the United States following the Spanish-American War. The island used many of the same issues of Cuba' through the reign of King Amadeo (to February 1873). Usage by one or the other can only be proven by town cancels.'

Isabella II issues
 File:Cuba number one.jpg File:Cuba 2r 1856.jpg File:Cuba 1864 quarter r.jpg File:Cuba 1868 rose.jpg File:Cuba 40c 1869.jpg 
 * In 1855, imperf designs with the portrait of Isabella II facing to right were issued on blue paper. They are only inscribed CORREOS and denominated in "RL. PLATA F" (real de plata forte).
 * In 1856, three values were issued on crossed lines watermarked paper.
 * In 1857, three values were issued on smooth white unwatermarked paper.
 * In 1864, new designs were issued, now with the portrait facing left.
 * In 1868, new designs were issued, now with a circular vignette and inscribed ULTRAMAR. These were dated "1868".

Provisional government and Duke de la Torre Regency issues
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:Cuba del la torre 40c.jpg|1870 40c head of "España" 
 * In 1869, Isabella stamps dated that year were handstamped HABILITADO / POR LA /NACION.
 * In 1870, three values with designs showing the allegorical head of "España" were issued. These are inscribed CORREOS.
 * In 1871, three values with designs of a seated "España" were issued with ULTRAMAR 1871 in a banner at top.

Amadeo issues
In January 1871, Amadeo (Amadeo I) became king of Spain.  File:Cuba 1873 50c.jpg|50c Amadeo 
 * In 1873, stamps with the portrait of Amadeo were issued. These were inscribed ULTRAMAR 1873. They came in 25c, 50c and 1 peseta values.

First Spanish Republic issues
In February 1873, Amadeo abdicated. A republican government was established.
 * Also in 1873, the three values were issued with a signature-style overprint.
 * In 1874, the 25c seated España design used for Cuba was overprinted for use in Puerto Rico with a two-part signature-style design.





Alfonso XII issues
In November 1874, Alfonso XII became king of Spain. 
 * In 1875, the 25, 50c and 1p coat of arms design used for Cuba were overprinted for use in Puerto Rico with a (different) signature-style design.



Alfonso XIII issues
In May 1886, Alfonso XIII became king of Spain. 



US possession issues




Postage dues




War tax stamps


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