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Honduras

Stamps issued: 1877-PRESENT

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21-centavo Mayan Temple Copan single

Republic in Central America. Honduras was part of the Maya homeland, one of the centers of that pre-Columbian culture. Spanish explorers arrived in 1502, and within a few decades Honduras was conquered by Spain and ruled as part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Until 1838, its history follows that of Guatemala. In 1838, it became independent. Honduras' chief export is bananas, and the country has been the stereotypical "banana republic" since the last century. In 1975, Gen. Oswaldo Lopez Arellano, president since 1963, was ousted by the army over charges of widespread bribery. Since that time, the Honduran government has pursued a number of ambitious social programs, and free elections were held in 1981. Honduras remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Honduras fought a brief war with its neighbor, El Salvador, in 1969, and continuing tensions prompted border clashes in 1970 and 1976. During the 1980s, Honduras cooperated with the United States in supporting the Contra rebels in Nicaragua, provoking Sandinista incursions in 1988.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

2-centavo Lincoln's Birthplace stamp, Honduras
This stamp was issued by Honduras in 1959 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
3-centavo Lincoln Delivering Gettysburg Address, Honduras
This airmail stamp was issued by Honduras on February 12, 1959, the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
 
5-centavo Lincoln Freeing The Slaves stamp
This airmail stamp was issued by Honduras in 1959, celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 150th birthday. It depicts Lincoln reading the Emancipation Proclamation to members of his cabinet.
10-centavo Assassination of Lincoln stamp
This stamp was issued by Honduras in 1959, celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 150th birthday. It depicts the Assassination of Lincoln by Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth, April 14, 1865, during a performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC.

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