The Canal Zone, a U.S. territory from 1904 to 1979, issued distinctive postage stamps that reflect its unique history and the construction of the Panama Canal.
Early Issues (1904-1928):
- Overprinted Stamps: Initially, existing U.S. and Panamanian stamps were overprinted with “CANAL ZONE” for local use. These overprints, introduced in 1904, led to numerous varieties, some highly sought after by collectors.
Permanent Canal Zone Designs:
- 1928 Series: The first permanent issue featured a 2¢ stamp depicting Lt. Col. George W. Goethals, the chief engineer and first governor of the Canal Zone
- Airmail Stamps: In 1929, the Canal Zone issued its first airmail stamp, marking the importance of aviation in the region.
Later Developments:
- 1965 Airmail Series: A new series featuring the Canal Zone seal and a jet plane was introduced, with denominations ranging from 6¢ to 80¢, catering to various airmail rates.
Collecting Canal Zone Stamps:
- Philatelic Interest: Despite the Canal Zone’s dissolution in 1979, its stamps remain popular among collectors, offering insights into the area’s postal history.
- Availability: Collectors can find Canal Zone stamps through various philatelic dealers and online marketplaces.
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