What Can Be Done: Chile is the wealthiest country in Latin America and, with a highly educated population, has the highest per capita number of stamp collectors of any nation in that region. The philately of Chile is very interesting and, after making allowances for the first issues (called “Columbus Heads”), rather straightforward. The Columbus Heads seem confusing to collectors, and that’s because the listings really don’t make much sense. I’ve always been of the opinion that stamps printed on the same plates, with the same denomination and color and other characteristics should have the same main catalog number. To hold out as major varieties nearly identical stamps because they were produced by different printing companies using the same plates is confusing. Such differentiation is inconsistent, occurring for some countries and issues and not for others (Greece first issues are particularly problematic in this respect). And the reason it happens is for no more significant reason than that the early Chile specialists needed something to do. The stamps were well designed, well printed, and common. So collectors more or less made varieties up where no natural ones existed.
After 1870, Chile is relatively easy to collect. The stamps are well designed and attractive and relatively inexpensive. The first airmail set is very scarce. And specialists like the Occupation issues (many of which are listed under Peru—the two countries have a disputed border that has caused much strife).
Specialty catalogs: The Scott catalog and the Scott Classic catalog are both excellent for Chile. Philatelically, Chile is a straightforward country with a relatively small number of issued stamps (only half as many as either Mexico or Brazil). Number of issues matters when you go to pick a specialty. Too many stamps means lots of time looking for common, modern issues before you get down to the fun of earlier issues. And too many new issues use up funds in stamps that depreciate in value the moment you purchase them. Chile has as fewer new issues as any country. And they don’t foul up their new issues with lots of expensive Souvenir Sheets and stamps meant to fleece collectors.
Specialty Albums: The Scott Specialty series is very good for Chile as is the Lighthouse Hingeless Specialty album. There is a specialized Chile stamp album produced in Chile that can be found online. I’ve seen it, and it’s very good.
Expense: One of the nicest things about specializing in the stamps of Chile is the cost. Because Chile has always had a responsible stamp issuing policy, there are few restricted issues, and stamps were kept in post offices for long periods of time so that collectors had time to buy them. The first airmail set mint is over $1,000, but very few other stamps are even over $20.
Availability of material: Chile is very popular as a stamp collecting specialty, and good Chile material is available but sells quickly.
Overall Collecting Grade: B+