Brazil — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Correios (Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos, ECT) is Brazil’s state-owned postal operator. Brazil has one of the Americas’ oldest and most distinguished stamp-issuing histories, with its first stamps — the famous “Bull’s Eye” (Olho de Boi) issues — appearing in 1843, making Brazil the third country in the world to issue postage stamps after Great Britain and Switzerland’s Geneva. Brazil’s stamp programme reflects the vast country’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, from the Amazon to Carnival, from colonial architecture to football.

Notable Stamp Issues

Brazil’s 1843 Bull’s Eye stamps — so named for their circular design featuring the numeral in an oval frame — are among philately’s most beautiful classic issues. The 30 réis (black), 60 réis (black), and 90 réis (black) denominations were each printed from different dies. The 1844–1866 “Inclined Numerals” and “Vertical Numerals” series, and the 1850–1866 “Goat’s Eye” and “Snake’s Eye” issues continued the Brazilian classic period. Brazil was among the first countries to issue engraved stamps featuring national scenes. The 1900 Dom Pedro II portrait definitives are classically beautiful.

Collecting Tips

Brazilian classic stamps (1843–1900) require specialist study — Scott and the specialised Brazilian RHM catalogue are the references. The Bull’s Eye stamps are heavily forged; expertisation by recognised bodies is essential for fine examples. Brazil has continued issuing many topical stamps on rainforest wildlife, indigenous peoples, and Brazilian culture. The annual Carnival-themed issues are popular with topical collectors. Brazilian postal history documents the country’s vast internal postal network.

Part of the Americas Postal Directory.