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Costa Rica

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED March 1863.

CURRENCY
1863, 8 reales = 1 peso.
1881, 100 centavos = 1 peso.
1901, 100 centavos = 1 colon.

Visited by Columbus in 1502, this was the first place in America where the Spaniards found gold, hence its name 'Rich Coast'. After three centuries of Spanish rule the province revolted in 1821 and joined the United Provinces of Central America until 1838, when Costa Rica became an independent republic.

Postal service was coastal in most of its routes. Postal markings of only five offices are recorded between 1800 and 1821. These were at Alajuela, Cartago, San Jose, Villa Nueve and Villa Vieja.

Independent Costa Rica had some difficulty in establishing boundaries with its neighbouring countries. A dispute with Nicaragua over the sovereignty of Guanacaste was resolved in 1896. Area had been annexed by Costa Rica in 1821 and led to the War of 1856-7, which had been won by Costa Rica. Stamps were issued with 'Guanacaste' overprinted on Costa Rican stamps in 1885-9.

Boundary with Panama was not finally settled until May 1941.