Description: This bold, monochromatic orange-red postage stamp features a forward-facing portrait of General José de San Martín, globally revered as the primary liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He is depicted in his historic, high-collared military uniform accented with detailed epaulets and decorative gold braiding stitched across the chest. The overall design breaks away from the highly ornate scrollwork frames of the early twentieth century, favoring a clean, modernist frame line that maximizes the impact of the fine-line face engraving. A clean typographic header reading "GRAL. JOSE DE SAN MARTIN" is positioned neatly along the top margin, while the name "ARGENTINA" anchors the base in large, solid block lettering. The 20-centavo face value ("20c") is clearly displayed in the upper-left corner. This specific used specimen features a heavy, dark wavy-line machine cancellation stretching diagonally across the right side of the portrait.
Circa: 1950s
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras (1778–1850) was an Argentine general and the primary leader of the southern and central parts of South America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire. Alongside Simón Bolívar in the north, San Martín is regarded as one of the principal Liberators of Spanish South America. He served as the Protector of Peru and is revered as a national hero in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Following a famous, private meeting with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil in 1822, San Martín selflessly stepped down from his military command and political leadership to avoid power struggles that could jeopardize the revolution. He retired to Europe and lived quietly in France until his death. Today, his remains rest in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, guarded by a permanent honor guard, serving as an enduring symbol of liberty and self-sacrifice.