Danzig Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Free City of Danzig Stamps
Danzig, officially the Free City of Danzig, was a semi-autonomous city-state situated on the Baltic coast of Central Europe, strategically located at the mouth of the Vistula River. Its postal history is defined by its unique political status following World War I, operating under League of Nations supervision between 1920 and 1939, during which it maintained its own postal administration. Stamps from this period predominantly feature German language inscriptions, reflecting the city's historical and demographic ties, alongside Polish influence due to its geopolitical position. The Free City's existence ended abruptly with the German invasion in 1939, after which its postal system was fully integrated into the German Reichspost.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1920 β 1939
- Languages:
- German, Polish
- Currency:
- GDA
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Stamp Catalogs
Free City of Danzig stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Free City of Danzig Stamp Series
First Issues (Overprints on German Stamps) (1920)
German stamps overprinted 'Danzig' or 'Freie Stadt Danzig', marking the city's new status.
Definitives with Danzig Motifs (1921-1939)
Stamps featuring local landmarks, coats of arms, and historical figures, reflecting Danzig's unique identity.
Airmail Issues (1921-1938)
Special stamps for airmail services, often depicting aircraft or symbolic designs.
Free City of Danzig Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early overprints and high-value definitives, especially in mint condition or on cover, can be quite valuable. Errors and varieties are also sought after. Later issues are generally more common.
How to Identify Free City of Danzig Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Free City of Danzig stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'Danzig' or 'Freie Stadt Danzig'.
- 2 Stamps often feature the Danzig coat of arms (two white crosses on a red shield) or local landmarks.
- 3 Early issues are German stamps with overprints.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Danzig stamps?
Danzig stamps are postage stamps issued by the Free City of Danzig, a semi-autonomous city-state that existed between 1920 and 1939 under League of Nations supervision. They reflect the city's unique political status and its blend of German and Polish influences.
Are Danzig stamps valuable?
The value of Danzig stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare early overprints, high-value definitives, or stamps with errors, especially in fine mint condition or on original covers, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and rarity are key factors.
How can I identify Danzig stamps?
Danzig stamps are primarily identified by the inscriptions 'Danzig' or 'Freie Stadt Danzig'. Many feature local motifs like the city's coat of arms or prominent buildings. Early issues are German stamps with these overprints. For precise identification and catalog numbers, consider using a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize stamps from this period.
Which catalogs list Danzig stamps?
Danzig stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (as 'Danzig'), Michel (as 'Danzig'), and Stanley Gibbons (as 'Danzig'). These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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