S455 – XIX Centenary of Our Lady of the Pillar – Incomplete 13-Stamp Set
Country: Spain. Issue date: 29 January 1940. Spanish title: XIX Centenario de la Venida de la Virgen del Pilar a Zaragoza. Catalogue: Edifil 889–901, 13 of 15 issued values. Printing: Lithography by I. G. Rieusset, Barcelona. Condition: Predominantly Mint Hinged (MH); one example (Edifil 893) appears without a hinge remnant but MNH status is not verified.
Included stamps
| Edifil | Face value | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 889 | 10c + 5c | Ruins of Belchite |
| 890 | 15c + 10c | Procession of the Rosary |
| 891 | 20c + 10c | Basilica of El Pilar |
| 892 | 25c + 10c | Mother Rafols |
| 893 | 40c + 10c | Chapel of Our Lady |
| 894 | 45c + 15c | The Oath |
| 895 | 70c + 20c | Ruins of Belchite |
| 896 | 80c + 20c | Procession of the Rosary |
| 897 | 1p + 30c | Mother Rafols |
| 898 | 1.40p + 40c | The Oath |
| 899 | 1.50p + 50c | Basilica of El Pilar |
| 900 | 2.50p + 50c | Chapel of Our Lady |
| 901 | 4p + 1p | Miracle of Calanda |
Missing from the complete issue: Edifil 902, 10 pesetas + 4 pesetas; and Edifil 903, 25 centimos + 5 centimos (military express).
Description
Thirteen Spanish commemorative stamps marking the nineteenth centenary of the traditional coming of Our Lady of the Pillar to Zaragoza. The scenes combine Marian devotion, historic locations and imagery associated with the Spanish Civil War. The original incomplete group is preserved as one permanent AllCollect object.
Condition examination
Fronts generally presentable, with variable centring and largely complete perforations. Most backs bear substantial paper hinge remnants, adhered fibres, gum disturbance and age-related spotting. Edifil 892 shows particularly noticeable reverse discolouration. Some stamps, including Edifil 894 and 898, show prominent hinge-related disturbance. Edifil 893 may be MNH on visual inspection, but this is unconfirmed. Under-hinge areas have not been examined for thins.
Catalogue and valuation
Edifil edition: 2025. Edifil MH catalogue total: to be confirmed. AllCollect collection valuation: €55.00 (provisional; assessed as the actual incomplete group). Valuation date: 20 October 2026. Collection Grade: 3/5. Investment Grade: 2.5/5. Decision: KEEP.
Note to future owners
This is a collectible commemorative group with certain better denominations, particularly Edifil 898. Do not mistake the group for a complete Edifil 889–903 set, or dispose of it as unsorted common stamps. Check the constituent values against a current Edifil catalogue before sale.
