We have already examined the rarest stamps from numerous countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Israel, the Vatican, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, the USA, Monaco, the Falkland Islands, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Malta, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Indonesia, Namibia, China, and Hong Kong. Today, we take a look at the rarest and most valuable Mexican stamps.
Mexico’s postal history goes all the way back to the Aztec times, when messages were delivered by runners. The Spanish later turned this into an organized postal system around 1580 to connect New Spain with Spain. In 1856, Mexico released its first postage stamps, which had special district overprints to prevent theft—something very few countries did. During the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), different groups issued their own stamps and overprints, showing how divided the country was at the time. Because of these unique features and early stamp issues, Mexico remains a fascinating area for stamp collectors.
Now we’ll take a look at 4 rare and valuable Mexican stamps.
Mexico – 1936
Catalog Value: $7,500
The 1936 20¢ Eagle Man Airmail stamp (marked with the Secretaría de Hacienda watermark) is one of Mexico’s rarest and most valuable airmail issues. Known as Scott C76B in used condition, it shows a bold eagle design and is highly prized because so few copies are known to exist today. Its official watermark and limited survival make it a top target for serious collectors.
Mexico – 1936
Estimated Value: $8,000 - $10,000
Another stamp from the same 1936 airmail series features Francisco I. Madero, a key figure in Mexico’s revolution. It also bears the Secretaría de Hacienda watermark and belongs to a special set that honors national heroes. Variants of this stamp are especially valued due to printing differences and historical importance.
"El Abrazo de Acatempan" 10c Inverted Center
Mexico – 1921
One of Mexico’s most famous stamp errors is the 1921 10¢ El Abrazo de Acatempan with an inverted center. This stamp commemorates the symbolic handshake between Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero. A rare misprint caused the handshake image to be printed upside-down, making this version extremely collectible and historically meaningful.
½ Real Black on Buff (Gothic “Mexico” overprint)
Mexico – 1867
Price Realized: $2,300 (Catalog Value $5,000)
A standout from the early period is the 1867 ½ Real Black on Buff stamp, issued after the fall of the Second Mexican Empire. It features a Gothic-style “Mexico” overprint, which served as an early security measure. Its age, overprint, and ties to a key turning point in Mexican history make it a favorite among collectors of classic issues.
Today we’ve seen 4 beautiful, rare and valuable Mexican stamps. While you wait for the next article in this series, be sure to check some of the previous articles.
UK - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable UK Stamps
France - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable French Stamps
Germany - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable German Stamps
Ireland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Irish Stamps
Belgium - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Belgium Stamps
The Netherlands - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Dutch Stamps
Australia - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Australian Stamps
Canada - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Canadian Stamps
Spain - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Spanish Stamps
Portugal - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Portuguese Stamps
Israel - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Stamps of Israel
Vatican - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Vatican Stamps
Italy - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Italian Stamps
Switzerland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Swiss Stamps
New Zealand - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable New Zealand Stamps
USA - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable U.S. Stamps
Monaco - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Monaco Stamps
Falkland Islands - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Falkland Islands Stamps
Greece - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Stamps of Greece
Austria - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Austrian Stamps
Luxembourg - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Luxembourg Stamps
Malta - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Malta Stamps
Finland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Finland Stamps
Sweden - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Swedish Stamps
Poland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Polish Stamps
Liechtenstein - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Liechtenstein Stamps
Norway - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Norwegian Stamps
Iceland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Icelandic Stamps
Greenland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Greenland Stamps
Indonesia - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Indonesian Stamps
Namibia/South West Africa - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Namibian (South West Africa) Stamps
China - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable China Stamps
Hong Kong - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Hong Kong Stamps
