Cuba 1883 5 Centavos “Arañitas” Red Spider Overprint Used Classic Stamp

Cuba 1883 5 Centavos “Arañitas” Red Overprint Classic Stamp

An interesting 19th-century Cuban postage stamp from the famous 1883 “Arañitas” (Spider) overprint issue.

Following the theft of a substantial quantity of Cuban postage stamps in Havana in April 1883, the remaining legitimate stamps were overprinted with elaborate security designs commonly known by collectors as “Arañitas” or “Spiders.” The designs originated from ornamental devices associated with Cuban lottery printing.

This example is the 5 Centavos de Peso denomination and displays a large red ornamental Arañitas overprint together with a prominent manuscript/pen cancellation.

Details:

• Country: Cuba
• Period: Spanish Colonial Cuba
• Year: 1883
• Denomination: 5 Centavos de Peso
• Issue: Arañitas / Spider Overprint
• Overprint color: Red
• Condition: Used
• Cancellation: Heavy manuscript / pen cancellation
• Classic 19th-century Cuban philately
• Sold as photographed

The stamp shows considerable age and postal wear, including toning, heavy cancellation and other imperfections visible in the photographs. Please examine all photographs carefully, including the reverse, as they form an important part of the condition description.

An unusual piece of Spanish Colonial Cuban postal history and an interesting addition to a Cuba, Caribbean, Spanish Colonies or classic worldwide stamp collection.