El Salvador – Scott # 15a, used

Description

Issued in 1890, El Salvador Scott #15a is a definitive stamp from the Union Postal de Centro América series, an ambitious late-19th-century effort to unify the postal systems of the Central American republics. These stamps were valid across El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, making them some of the earliest regional postal issues in the world.

The design features the national coat of arms of El Salvador, showing the iconic five volcanoes rising from the sea beneath a Phrygian cap and radiant sun, symbolizing liberty and the five Central American states. The finely engraved frame and bilingual inscriptions give the stamp a formal, international appearance reflecting the cooperative ideal behind the postal union.

With a denomination of 5 centavos, this stamp paid standard domestic and inter-republic letter rates, making it a common sight on everyday correspondence across Central America during the period.

This example is offered used, showing a clear cancellation with intact perforations and strong remaining detail. A classic collectible for specialists in Central America, early postal unions, and 19th-century engraved stamps.

Country: El Salvador
Year of Issue: 1890
Scott Number: 15a
Denomination: 5 centavos
Condition: Used