Sandafayre Stamp Auctions | Stamp Atlas

Bolivia

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1867.

CURRENCY
1867, 100 centavos = 1 boliviano.
1963, 100 centavos = 1 peso boliviano.

Formerly known as Upper Peru, and until 1776 under the Viceroyalty of Peru, the region became part of the Viceroyalty of La Plata. On becoming an independent republic on 6 August 1825, it took its name from Simon Bolivar. The nitrates of the coastal provinces attracted the envy first of Peru and later of Chile, being lost to Chile by the War of the Pacific (1879-83).

In 1895 internal post routes consisted of the Oruro-Antofagasta railroad, post riders on horseback, and river boats. Routes remained primitive until the start of airmails in the 1920s. In 1974 there were 418 POs.

Stamps of Britain used in 1865-78 at Cobija, an important port town which no longer exists (oblit. C39).

Stamps of Chile were used in occupied areas of Bolivia with special post-marks 1 December 1881-11 October 1883.

The issue of politically provocative stamps by both Bolivia and Paraguay in 1932 was a contributory factor to the Gran Chaco War between the two countries (1932-5).

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile & Peru pre 1900
Click map for larger view