Description of the Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico:
The Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico Postal Service is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps and other philatelic products. It is a division of the Puerto Rico Postal Service, which is the official postal service of Puerto Rico. The Philatelic Service offers a wide range of services and products for stamp collectors, including new stamp issues, special cancellations, and philatelic literature.
History of the Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico:
The history of the Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico Postal Service dates back to the late 19th century when Puerto Rico was under Spanish rule. The first postage stamps of Puerto Rico were issued in 1873, featuring the portrait of Queen Isabella II of Spain. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States and began issuing stamps with the image of the American flag. In 1900, the first commemorative stamp of Puerto Rico was issued to celebrate the inauguration of the American postal service on the island.
In 1917, Puerto Rico became a U.S. possession and began issuing stamps with the inscription «Porto Rico» until 1922 when the name was changed to «Puerto Rico». The Philatelic Service was officially established in 1923 and has been responsible for the production and distribution of stamps ever since.
Notable Stamps and Designs from Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico:
One of the most famous stamps of Puerto Rico is the «Aeropuerto de Isla Verde» stamp, issued in 1937 to commemorate the opening of the first international airport in Puerto Rico. This stamp features a plane flying over the airport with the Puerto Rican flag in the background. Another notable stamp is the «La Fortaleza» stamp, issued in 1940 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital city. This stamp features the iconic fortress of La Fortaleza, which is now the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico.
In recent years, the Philatelic Service has issued stamps featuring Puerto Rican icons such as baseball player Roberto Clemente, salsa singer Celia Cruz, and artist Frida Kahlo. They have also released stamps to commemorate important events in Puerto Rican history, such as the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus.
Services and Products in Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico:
The Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico Postal Service offers a variety of services and products for stamp collectors. They regularly release new stamp issues, which can be purchased at post offices or through their online store. They also offer special cancellations, which are unique postmarks that can be obtained by sending mail to specific post offices on certain dates. These cancellations are highly sought after by collectors.
In addition, the Philatelic Service produces and sells philatelic literature, including stamp albums, catalogs, and other reference materials. They also offer a subscription service for collectors who want to receive all new stamp issues automatically.
The Philatelic Service of Puerto Rico Postal Service has a rich history and continues to produce beautiful and meaningful stamps for collectors. With its wide range of services and products, it is a valuable resource for stamp enthusiasts in Puerto Rico and around the world.
To learn more about the Philatelic Service and its offerings, visit their website at https://store.usps.com/store/home.