Eastern Silesia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Eastern Silesia Stamps
Eastern Silesia, situated in Central Europe, primarily within modern-day Poland, experienced a complex postal history marked by shifting national control following World War I. Its stamps often reflect the administrative transitions between German and Polish authorities, particularly during the period of plebiscites and subsequent partition. The linguistic environment on these issues frequently features German and Polish inscriptions, sometimes alongside Polish currency denominations after 1921. This region's postal record is notable for provisional issues reflecting the turbulent political settlement of the Upper Silesian region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1920 – 1920
- Languages:
- German, Polish
- Currency:
- PLN
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Stamp Catalogs
Eastern Silesia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Eastern Silesia Stamp Series
Plebiscitary Issues (1920)
Stamps issued during the plebiscite period, often overprinted on German or Polish issues, reflecting the administrative transitions.
Provisional Issues (1920)
Temporary stamps or overprints used to meet postal needs during the turbulent political settlement of the region.
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Eastern Silesia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, base stamp, and condition. Provisional issues and specific varieties can be quite valuable. Forgeries and expertization are important considerations.
How to Identify Eastern Silesia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Eastern Silesia stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Oberschlesien' (German for Upper Silesia) or 'Górny Śląsk' (Polish for Upper Silesia) inscriptions or overprints.
- 2 Examine the base stamps for German or Polish origins, as many Eastern Silesian issues are overprints.
- 3 Pay attention to the specific overprint type, color, and position, as these can denote different varieties and values.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Eastern Silesia stamps?
Eastern Silesia stamps refer to postal issues used in the region of Eastern Silesia (primarily within modern-day Poland) during a brief but complex period in 1920, following World War I. These stamps often reflect the administrative transitions between German and Polish authorities, particularly during the plebiscites and subsequent partition of the Upper Silesian region.
Are Eastern Silesia stamps valuable?
The value of Eastern Silesia stamps varies significantly. Common issues might be worth €5-€50, while rare provisional issues, specific overprint varieties, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Expertization is often recommended for higher-value items due to the prevalence of forgeries.
How can I identify Eastern Silesia stamps?
To identify Eastern Silesia stamps, look for inscriptions like 'Oberschlesien' or 'Górny Śląsk', often as overprints on German or Polish base stamps. Pay close attention to the details of the overprint, including its text, color, and placement. Using a stamp identifier app can also help you quickly cross-reference and learn more about your stamps.
Which catalogs list Eastern Silesia stamps?
Eastern Silesia stamps are well-documented in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (for German-related issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others.
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