German New Guinea Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German New Guinea Stamps
German New Guinea was a German colony located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, primarily comprising the northeastern portion of the island of New Guinea and several adjacent island groups. Postal services were established under German administration, initially relying on German postal agencies before issuing distinct colonial stamps, often denominated in German currency such as Mark and Pfennig. The stamps typically feature German inscriptions, reflecting the colonial power, and postal history is marked by the transition following World War I when administration passed to Australia under a League of Nations mandate. This shift led to the eventual supersession of German issues by those of the succeeding mandatory power.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Melanesia
- Issuing period:
- 1897 – 1914
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- DEM
- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German New Guinea stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German New Guinea Stamp Series
Yacht 'Hohenzollern' (Kaiser's Yacht) (1900-1914)
The definitive series featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern', overprinted with 'Deutsch-Neu-Guinea' and various denominations. These are iconic German colonial issues.
German Empire Issues Overprinted (1897-1900)
Early issues consisted of German Empire stamps (e.g., 'Reichspost' series) overprinted with 'Deutsch-Neu-Guinea' and new denominations, marking the initial postal presence.
issuer:german-new-guinea.series.items.2.name (issuer:german-new-guinea.series.items.2.period)
issuer:german-new-guinea.series.items.2.description
German New Guinea Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are readily available. Higher values, especially those with rare overprints, specific watermarks, or in mint condition, can fetch significant prices. Early issues and errors are particularly sought after.
How to Identify German New Guinea Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German New Guinea stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'Deutsch-Neu-Guinea' or 'Deutsche Neu-Guinea'.
- 2 Many stamps feature the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern' as the central design.
- 3 Denominations are typically in Pfennig and Mark.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German New Guinea stamps?
German New Guinea stamps are postal issues from the former German colony in the southwestern Pacific, primarily comprising the northeastern part of New Guinea and adjacent islands. They were issued from 1897 until the colony's capture by Australian forces in 1914, often featuring German inscriptions and denominations.
Are German New Guinea stamps valuable?
The value of German New Guinea stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, high denominations, errors, or stamps in pristine condition can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros. Their historical significance as German colonial issues also contributes to their appeal.
How can I identify German New Guinea stamps?
To identify German New Guinea stamps, look for the 'Deutsch-Neu-Guinea' inscription and denominations in Pfennig or Mark. Many feature the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern'. Early issues are German Empire stamps with a specific overprint. For precise identification and catalog numbers, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized catalogs.
Which catalogs list German New Guinea stamps?
German New Guinea stamps are comprehensively listed in major stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (often under 'German Colonies'), the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue.
Not sure if your stamp is from German New Guinea?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store