Portugal – Scott # 174, used

Description

Portugal – Scott #174 (1898) depicts King Carlos I in a fine engraved portrait, issued during the late 19th century “Crown and Shield” series. Printed in a rich rose-carmine shade and denominated 20 Reis, this classic definitive issue features Portugal’s royal arms above the monarch’s profile and is framed by ornate scrollwork. Stamps from this series were used widely throughout Portugal’s colonial and domestic mail routes during an era of modernization and overseas expansion. This example is postally used, with a visible circular cancellation and strong color retention—an excellent representation of Portugal’s regal period designs.