Brazil's first postage stamp,
the 30-reis Bull's Eye (1843).
Why Collect Brazil?
Brazil has a philatelic past as rich as any nation and with ample room for specialists of all inclinations. Here are some of the attractions for collectors of Brazil:
- Stamp Issuing Pioneers: Brazil was the second nation to issue postage stamps (after the United Kingdom), initiating use of the famous Bull's Eye stamps in 1843.
- Rich Postal History: Whether you are interested in Zeppelin stamps and covers, packet boat mail, traveling (railway) post offices, pre-philatelic covers, or transatlantic maritime mail, Brazil has it all.
- Early Airmail: Brazil's first airmail stamps were issued by the main mail carriers, CONDOR, ETA, and VARIG.
- Watermarks: Brazil has some of the most challenging watermarks to decipher of any country, which can test one's skill (and patience!).
- Paper Types: Brazil has printed stamps on more than two dozen types of paper, including multiple paper types for the same series in some cases.
- Beautiful ABN Stamps: Fans of the American Banknote Company will love its stunning issues (1866–1879) depicting Emperor Dom Pedro II.
- Mute Cancellations: From 1865 to 1889 many post offices in Brazil created their own postmarks, carving unique designs out of wood, cork, or rubber. Nearly 5,000 variations have been identified.
- Plate Variations: Some early Brazilian stamps have countless variations due to printing challenges and plate repair practices.
- Philatelic Stationery: Brazil has issued a rich variety of postal stationery dating back to 1867, including postal stationery issued for Rio de Janeiro's pneumatic mail system (1910–1939).
- Censorship: Brazil implemented postal censorship during World War I, World War II, and the military dictatorship of 1964–1985.
- Affordability: Best of all, you can build a deeply satisfying Brazil collection without breaking the bank.
1930 Zeppelin stamp issued for commercial flights between Europe, South America, and North America.
1877-1878 Dom Pedro II stamp with mute cancellation.
1891 "Tintureiro" stamp with rare tête-bêche pair.
And if that isn’t enough, Brazil is amazing.
- Brazil Has a Rich Culture: Carnaval, soccer, Samba, and Bossa Nova are just the tip of the iceberg.
- Brazil is Big: Bigger than the contiguous United States, Brazil has the world’s 7th largest population and 10th largest economy.
- Brazil Has a Fascinating History: It gained independence (1822) and ended slavery (1888) without bloodshed.
- Brazil Has Great Natural Beauty: Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Brazil has the world’s largest rainforest (the Amazon) and wetlands (Pantanal), the world’s second longest river (the Amazon), and the spectacular Iguazu Falls.
- Brazil Has 1.2 million Capybaras. (Need we say more?)
1969 stamp commemorating Pelé's 1,000th goal.
Examples of Brazil's Early Philatelic Gems
The following exhibit by Klerman Wanderley (1947–2025), a long-time Vice President of the Brazil Philatelic Association, provides many examples of the fascinating aspects of collecting stamps issued during just one period of Brazil’s history — the reign of Emperor Dom Pedro II.
