San Miguel Volcano, El Salvador
Though many eruptions have taken place at the volcano since
the 16th century,
most have only been with a VEI index of 1 or 2.
The volcano last erupted in 2002.
The following stamps were issued in 1867
The examples illustrated are counterfeits by the Spiro brothers.
(Courtesy of Lisa Heiman)
To quote from a web article on El Salvador stamps, "Traditionally
the volcano on the central oval
has been considered to be the San Miguel colcano. However,
since the stamps are allegorical
representations of the coat of arms existing at the time,
the stamps really depict not the San Miguel,
but the Izalco volcano (popularly known as 'El Faro del Pacifico'
- the Lighthouse of the Pacific).
This argument is based on the fact that the decree creating
the coat of arms specifically mentions
the Izalco volcano as the inspirations for its design, and
also on the idea that the Izalco volcano
was (and still is) one of the symbols of the country".
Mint versions follow.
A 25¢ overprinted airmail stamp issued in 1973 illustrates
depiction of 1867 stamp.
stamp courtesy of Ed Benson
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