URUGUAY 1858 240c. & 180c. and 1859 120c. I was watching soccer and Uruguay starred. I was trying to remember what stamps of Uruguay I have. Later I dug out the album to look at them again. I am showing you three that I think are nice.
They are from 1858 and 1859. Originally these were Mail Coach stamps, for use on the mail coach routes which were operated by Atanasio Lapido who was also appointed Post Administrator. The 1856 issue has 'Diligencia' at the top of the stamp and the value at the bottom.
They were also known as Montevideo Suns.
It is easy to see why as the design shows a chubby head surrounded by rays.
On the 1858 and 1859 issues I show on top the word 'Diligencia' has been replaced with 'Montevideo' but again with the value at the bottom and Correo on each side.
What is a Diligencia? Think back 150 years and you realize a journey in Uruguay was not so easy. For the mail a curious vehicle was used called the Diligencias. The country did not have a railway system so they relied on these “stage coaches” for their main means of road transport and mail delivery. The Diligencias had 10 seats inside and 3 behind the conductor on top. As well as the passengers the conductor was responsible for all mail and baggage. This hefty beast of a vehicle was powered by 6 horses placed in a triangle 3-2-1.
At the time the currency was as follows:
1856: 120 Centavos = 1 Real
1859: 1000 Milesimos = 100 Centesimos = 1 Peso.
How much are they worth, I'm not trying to buy yours but I have the same ones as you.
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