Cuba

The first meter appeared in 1938. All stamps show “CUBA” in the frank. The stamps are grouped according to political era of first use:

A - during the Republic, from 20 May 1902 to 1 January 1959

B - during Castro regime, since 1959

GROUP A: Stamps first issued during pre-Castro era, up to 1959

A1. Pitney Bowes “H” (LV-10), 1938.

Square frank with simulated-perforation outer frame line.

“CORREOS DE LA/ REPUBLICA DE CUBA” at top.

The oval around the value figures does not touch the outer frame line.

M# with “C” prefix.

A. “PERMISO No.” at bottom

B. “METRO No.” at bottom

Values:

.02, .03, .04, .05, .06, .08, .09, .10, .20

A2. Pitney Bowes “H” (LV-10), 1938.

As type A1B but oval around value figures merges with outer frame line at the sides.

M# with “C” prefix.

TM: DC

Values:

.01, .02, .03, .04, .05, .06, .08, .09, .10, .20, .50

A3. Pitney Bowes “R” (MV), 1946. [$25]

Horizontal design with simulated perforation border fully enclosing the TM and frank.

Inscribed “CORREOS DE LA/ REPUBLICA DE CUBA/ PAGADO/ CENTAVOS” at top right.

“METRO No.” and M# at bottom center.

M# with “C” prefix, numbers C-175 and up.

V/F:

≋ 00

A4. Pitney Bowes “R” (MV).

Frank without outer frame line.

With arms of country (cap, fasces and key) between TM and frank.

“REPUBLICA DE CUBA” at top and “FRANQUEO PAGADO” above value box.

“CORREOS” at bottom center.

M# with “PBC” prefix below value box.

TM: SC

V/F:

≋ 00 :

≋ 00

NOTE: Postal stationery (postal cards and possibly envelopes) were sold pre-stamped with this type of stamp.

A5. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21), 1950.

Similar to type B1, but much narrower.

“CORREOS” above value figures.

M# with “PBC” prefix.

TM: SC

Values: 01 - 21

GROUP B: Stamps first issued since U.S. embargo of Cuba began with ascension of Castro as head of government, since 1959

NOTE: Stamps of Group A continued to be used after 1959.

B1. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21). [Probably scarce, value unknown]

Small design as Type A5. With rope ornament across top and upper left.

Inscribed “REPUBLICA DE/ CUBA” above value figures.

“CORREOS” below TM.

M# with “P.B.METRO” prefix.

TM: SC

Values:

01 through 21

B2. Pitney Bowes “R” (MV). [Probably scarce, value unknown]

Frank with “REPUBLICA/DE CUBA” at top.

With empty space between TM and value figures.

“CORREOS” at bottom below value figures.

TM: SC

V/F:

≋ 00 :

B3. Postalia “D2” (MV). [Probably scarce, value unknown]

Simple upright rectangle with coat of arms and “CUBA/ CORREOS” at top, “FRANQUEO PAGADO” at bottom.

One seen, date only without TM.

V/F:

0.00