Bull's Eye (postage stamp)

The Bull's Eye (Portuguese Olho-de-boi) postage stamps were the first stamps issued by Brazil, on 1 August 1843, having face values of 30, 60, and 90 réis. Brazil was the second country in the world, after the United Kingdom, to issue postage stamps valid within the entire country (as opposed to a local issue).[1] Like the United Kingdoms's first stamps, the design does not include the country name.

Bull's Eye
(Olho-de-Boi)
Country of productionBrazil
Location of productionRio de Janeiro
Date of production1 August 1843
Nature of rarityLimited number
No. in existenceUnknown
Face value30, 60 and 90 réis
Estimated valuebetween US$ 5,000.00 and
US$ 400.00 (RHM – 2004)

The unusual name derives from the ornamental value figures inside the oval settings, and the arrangement of the stamps in the sheet, which permitted se-tenant pairs that looked like a pair of bull's eyes. The unusual naming of Brazilian stamps continued with the later issue of smaller, but rectangular designs, which were nicknamed snake's eyes, and the issue of similar designs to the Bull's Eyes, but smaller, of which the blue were called goat's eyes, and the black, cat's eyes.

There were 1,148,994 30 réis stamps printed, 1,502,142 of the 60 réis value, and 349,182 of the 90 réis stamp. The 90 réis issue were reserved for international mail only.

The most important recent Bull's Eyes collection to be sold was that of Hugo Goeggel in 2013.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Brazil Bulls Eyes". Philatelic Articles Archive. Sandafayre (Holdings) Ltd. 2012. Archived from the original on 27 June 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  2. ^ The Dr. Hugo Goeggel Collections "South America" Corinphila Auktionen, 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014. Archived here.
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