
Overview of Costa Rica’s Philatelic Service: The Philatelic Service of Costa Rica, also known as Filatelia, is a department of Correos de Costa Rica, the country’s national postal service. This service is responsible for the production, distribution, and sale of postage stamps, as well as other philatelic products such as first day covers, postcards, and stamp albums. The Philatelic Service plays an important role in promoting Costa Rican culture, history, and natural beauty through its stamp designs.
History of the Costa Rica Philatelic Service
The history of the Philatelic Service in Costa Rica dates back to 1863, when the first postage stamps were issued. These stamps featured the country’s coat of arms and were used to prepay postage on letters and packages. In the following years, Costa Rica issued stamps with various designs, including images of national heroes, landmarks, and flora and fauna.
In 1907, the Philatelic Service was officially established as a department of Correos de Costa Rica. Since then, it has been responsible for the design, production, and distribution of all postage stamps in the country. Over the years, the Philatelic Service has gained recognition for its high-quality stamps and has won several international awards for its designs.
Notable Stamps and Designs of Philatelic Service in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s postage stamps are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and unique themes. One of the most famous stamps is the «Blue Boy» stamp, issued in 1901, which features a portrait of a young boy wearing a blue hat. This stamp is highly sought after by collectors and is considered one of the most valuable stamps in the world.

Another notable stamp is the «Butterflies of Costa Rica» series, which was issued in 1978 and features 16 different species of butterflies found in the country. This series has become a favorite among stamp collectors and has been reprinted several times due to its popularity.
In recent years, the Philatelic Service has also released stamps with themes related to the country’s culture and history. For example, in 2019, a series of stamps was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Costa Rica’s independence. These stamps featured important historical figures and landmarks that played a significant role in the country’s independence.
The Philatelic Service also collaborates with other organizations to promote important causes through its stamps. In 2016, a stamp was issued in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to traditional postage stamps, the Philatelic Service also offers a variety of other philatelic products, such as first day covers, postcards, and stamp albums. These products are popular among collectors and tourists who want to take a piece of Costa Rica’s culture and beauty with them.
In conclusion, the Philatelic Service of Costa Rica plays a crucial role in promoting the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty through its stamps and other philatelic products. With its rich history and diverse range of designs, Costa Rica’s stamps are not only a means of postage but also a reflection of the country’s identity.
Link to Costa Rica’s Philatelic Service website: https://www.correos.go.cr/wps/portal/correos/inicio/filatelia