S456 – XIX Centenary of Our Lady of the Pillar – Airmail (1940)
Country: Spain. Issue date: 29 January 1940. Issue: XIX Centenario de la Venida de la Virgen del Pilar a Zaragoza. Service: Correo Aéreo. Edifil: 904–912. Format: Nine-stamp incomplete set (nine of ten); Edifil 913 (10 pesetas + 4 pesetas) missing.
Included stamps
| Edifil | Denomination + surcharge | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 904 | 25c + 5c | Praying during the bombardment |
| 905 | 50c + 5c | Our Lady and sailing ship |
| 906 | 65c + 15c | The Assumption |
| 907 | 70c + 15c | Praying during the bombardment |
| 908 | 90c + 20c | The Assumption |
| 909 | 1.20p + 30c | Coronation of Our Lady |
| 910 | 1.40p + 40c | Our Lady and sailing ship |
| 911 | 2p + 50c | Coronation of Our Lady |
| 912 | 4p + 1p | Frescoes of the basilica vault by Goya |
Condition assessment
All nine stamps Mint Hinged (MH). The fronts show generally attractive multicoloured printing, acceptable centring and largely complete perforations. Reverse scans show varying old paper hinge remnants, localised gum disturbance, adhering fibres, age-related discolouration and some mounting bends or creases. Particularly affected examples include the 50c, 70c, 1.20p and 1.40p stamps. Paper under remnants has not been fully examined for thinning. No restoration attempted.
Background
The 1940 commemorative airmail issue depicts religious scenes and historical subjects connected with Our Lady of the Pillar and Zaragoza. This nine-value group complements S455, the corresponding incomplete ordinary-post series. Lithography by I. G. Rieusset, Barcelona. Perforation generally reported as line 11 or 11½; not individually measured.
Catalogue and assessment
Catalogue: Edifil España 2025; precise MH catalogue total for these nine values not yet verified. AllCollect estimated collection value: €35.00 (provisional, 20 October 2026). Collection Grade: 3/5. Investment Grade: 2/5. Decision: KEEP / UPGRADE. The valuation reflects an incomplete but collectible group with visible hinge and gum condition issues.
Notice to future owners
This is a specialist commemorative airmail group, not ordinary postage. Consult the current Edifil catalogue and specialist sales results before any disposal, taking account of the missing Edifil 913 and the actual gum condition of each stamp.
