Postmarks originated to mark stamps as used, but over the years they have acquired another value due to their large impact on philatelic collecting, as they reflect important events, values, and achievements of our society, reinforcing the image and presence of the Correos stamp.
Postmarks originated to mark stamps as used, but over the years they have acquired another value due to their large impact on philatelic collecting, as they reflect important events, values, and achievements of our society, reinforcing the image and presence of the Correos stamp.
There are two types of postmark:
COMMEMORATIVE POSTMARKS are created for an event, anniversary or important occasion “requested from Correos by an external party”, who may be an individual, or an institution or organisation. The franked image or text is a commemorative reference, guaranteed by the logo and symbol of Correos and a correlative annual number. This postmark is approved and authorised by Correos and used for manual franking in both temporary and permanent Correos offices.
POSTAL POSTMARKS respond to a global concept or specific theme “generated and issued by Correos”, and may or may not have a dater. The franked image or text reflects the chosen theme, plus the logo and symbol of Correos. These are classified as:
1. Special: those authorised and operated by external parties to Correos, whose authorisation of use corresponds to the Subdirectorate of Philately (e.g. Investigative databases, military, etc.)
2. Operational: Postmarks that are used in post offices. They are currently divided into Operational for Main Offices and Tourist Offices.
3. First day covers. Postmarks that commemorate the First Day of Circulation of the stamps.
4. Postmarks for Presentation. Postmarks that correspond to the day on which the act of presentation for the stamp took place.
On this website, the Special, Operational and Presentation postmarks can be found in the section POSTCARDS.
All the postmarks issued in the past years