1930-39 Mexico Malaria Stamp

Updated August 7, 2026

Mexican postal tax / revenue stamp (timbres de beneficencia or obligatory surtax stamp) from the 1939 "Campaña contra el Paludismo" (Campaign Against Malaria / Paludism) series, not 1930. These were required on mail to fund anti-malaria public health efforts (e.g., mosquito control, drainage, quinine distribution) in malaria-prone areas of Mexico during the late 1930s.IdentificationDesign: Stylized illustration of a mosquito (Anopheles) attacking or biting a person (often shown as a reclining or vulnerable figure), with dramatic lines suggesting flight/path of the insect. Inscriptions in blue/teal: "CAMPANA CONTRA EL PALUDISMO" at bottom, "CAMPOSOS MEXICO" or similar partial text at top (likely "CAMPOS" or printing artifact; full text on series is "Campaña contra el Paludismo"), and border text like "CORREOS DE MEXICO" or health-related phrases on some values. Color is blue (various shades: blue, deep blue, or greenish-blue). Catalogue Numbers:Scott: RA series (postal tax/revenue stamps); specifically around Scott RA14, RA16, RA19 or similar in the 1939 malaria set (e.g., RA14 for 1c blue mosquito design in many listings). These are fiscal/postal tax stamps listed in Scott's Mexico revenue section or specialized catalogues. Michel: Often RA14–RA20 range (1939 series with mosquito attacking man theme). Other: Listed as "Struggle Against Malaria" or "Campaña contra el Paludismo" in revenue catalogues like StampWorld or Mexico revenue specialists. Issued circa 1939 (some sources note series started late 1930s, but primary issue is 1939; no major 1930 malaria set matches this design—1930s Mexico had other revenues but not this motif). Denomination: Likely low value like 1¢ (centavo) or 2¢, common for obligatory surtax on letters (added to regular postage). Printing/Perforation: Typographed or lithographed, perforated (around 14 or similar), used (heavy cancel with bars/dots covering much of design, typical for revenues/tax stamps). Context: Part of Mexico's public health propaganda stamps in the 1930s–1940s (similar to anti-TB or child welfare issues). Required on domestic/international mail for a period, with proceeds to anti-malaria campaigns. The dramatic mosquito imagery was to raise awareness in endemic regions. Your example is used (canceled), with average condition (some toning/edge wear, heavy cancel obscuring parts but design clear).Approximate Value (Current Market, as of 2026)These are moderately common Mexican revenue/postal tax stamps—high survival from the era, often collected in thematic malaria/philanthropic or Mexico revenue collections.Used condition (as shown: average centering, heavy cancel, minor faults/toning typical): $1 to $5 USD retail/auction value (often $2–$4 for singles in blue shade; eBay/ dealer lots frequently in this range). Very fine used (lighter cancel, better centering): $5–$10 USD.

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