Argentina — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Correo Argentino is Argentina’s national postal operator, renationalised in 2003 after a period of private management. Argentina’s philatelic history begins with the Argentine Confederation’s 1858 issue and continues through the turbulent political history of South America’s second-largest country. Argentine stamps reflect the nation’s European immigrant heritage, gaucho culture, Andean landscapes, and Patagonian wildlife. Argentina is one of South America’s most philatelically significant countries, with a long tradition of high-quality stamp production.

Notable Stamp Issues

Argentina’s first stamps, issued 1858 for the Argentine Confederation, preceded unification. The 1862–1864 Rivadavia definitives — featuring the bust of Bernardino Rivadavia — are classic early South American stamps printed by the American Bank Note Company. The 1899 Proceres y Riquezas definitives are beautifully designed. Argentine airmail stamps from the 1920s–1930s are historically significant. Eva Perón stamps from the early 1950s are politically charged collector items. Modern Argentine stamps feature the Perito Moreno Glacier, Iguazú Falls, and Patagonian wildlife.

Collecting Tips

Scott’s Latin America catalogue covers Argentina. Argentine classics (1858–1900) are undervalued relative to their rarity and historical importance. The various printings of the 1862–1880 issues require specialist study. Argentine airmail stamps and first-flight covers are popular. Evita (Eva Perón) stamps were destroyed after her death on Perón’s fall — surviving examples are historically significant. Argentina’s Malvinas/Falklands stamps make political statements that are collected by postal history specialists.

Part of the Americas Postal Directory.