German WWII Occupation in Guernsey Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Occupation of Guernsey Stamps
Guernsey, a Crown Dependency in the English Channel, was occupied by Nazi Germany during the Second World War, leading to a unique period of postal administration. During this occupation, from 1940 to 1945, stamps were issued under German military authority, often overprinted or specifically denominated for use within the occupied islands. These issues reflect the interruption of normal British postal services, with inscriptions typically appearing in German or English, marking a significant, albeit brief, deviation in the island's postal history before its liberation and return to British administration.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1941 – 1942
- Languages:
- English, German
- Currency:
- GBP
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
German Occupation of Guernsey stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Occupation of Guernsey Stamp Series
King George VI Overprints (1941)
British King George VI stamps overprinted with 'GERMAN OCCUPATION' and new denominations in German currency.
Local Design Issues (1941-1942)
Stamps designed and printed locally in Guernsey under German authority, featuring local motifs and German inscriptions.
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German Occupation of Guernsey Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprint varieties, and whether they are used on cover. The local issues tend to be more valuable than the overprinted British stamps.
How to Identify German Occupation of Guernsey Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Occupation of Guernsey stamps:
- 1 Look for 'GERMAN OCCUPATION' overprints on British King George VI stamps.
- 2 Identify stamps with local Guernsey designs and German text or denominations.
- 3 Check for postmarks from Guernsey during the 1940-1945 period.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are German WWII Occupation in Guernsey stamps?
These are postage stamps issued during the German occupation of Guernsey from 1940 to 1945. They include British King George VI stamps overprinted with 'GERMAN OCCUPATION' and new denominations, as well as locally designed stamps featuring Guernsey motifs and German inscriptions.
Are German WWII Occupation in Guernsey stamps valuable?
Yes, many of these stamps are considered valuable by collectors, especially the locally designed issues and certain overprint varieties. Common stamps can range from £5-£50, while rare examples, particularly those on cover or with specific errors, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
How can I identify German WWII Occupation in Guernsey stamps?
You can identify them by looking for the 'GERMAN OCCUPATION' overprint on British stamps, or by recognizing the unique local designs with German text. A stamp identifier app can help you quickly determine if you have a German Occupation of Guernsey stamp by scanning its image.
Which catalogs list German WWII Occupation in Guernsey stamps?
German WWII Occupation in Guernsey stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under Great Britain - Guernsey), Michel (under Channel Islands - Guernsey), and Stanley Gibbons (under Channel Islands - Guernsey).
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