German WWII Occupation of Latvia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Occupation of Latvia (WWII) Stamps
This entity refers to the German military occupation administration established in the Baltic region of Europe during World War II. The postal issues reflect a temporary administrative control imposed by Nazi Germany over Latvia between 1941 and 1944, superseding the independent Latvian postal system. Stamps from this period primarily feature German administrative markings or overprints on existing Latvian issues, often displaying German language text alongside Latvian. These issues are significant markers of a brief, tumultuous period of foreign military governance preceding the Soviet reoccupation.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Baltic States
- Issuing period:
- 1941 – 1941
- Languages:
- German, Latvian
- Currency:
- RM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
German Occupation of Latvia (WWII) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Occupation of Latvia (WWII) Stamp Series
Overprints on Latvian Issues (1941)
Latvian stamps overprinted with 'Deutsche Besetzung' (German Occupation) or 'Ostland' and new denominations in Reichspfennig and Reichsmark.
Riga City Issues (1941)
Local issues for Riga, often featuring the city's coat of arms or specific German occupation markings.
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German Occupation of Latvia (WWII) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying Latvian stamp. Errors and varieties are highly sought after.
How to Identify German Occupation of Latvia (WWII) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Occupation of Latvia (WWII) stamps:
- 1 Look for German overprints like 'Deutsche Besetzung', 'Ostland', or 'Riga' on stamps originally issued by independent Latvia.
- 2 Check for German currency denominations (Reichspfennig, Reichsmark) replacing or alongside Latvian ones.
- 3 Examine the dates (1941) to confirm the period of issue.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are German WWII Occupation of Latvia stamps?
These are stamps issued during the German military occupation of Latvia in 1941. They typically consist of existing Latvian stamps overprinted with German text, new denominations, or specific occupation markings, reflecting the temporary administrative control by Nazi Germany.
Are German WWII Occupation of Latvia stamps valuable?
Some German WWII Occupation of Latvia stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, errors, or stamps in pristine condition. Common issues may be more affordable, but the historical context and limited period of issue contribute to their collectibility. Values can range from a few euros for common items to hundreds or even thousands for rare varieties.
How can I identify German WWII Occupation of Latvia stamps?
To identify these stamps, look for clear German overprints ('Deutsche Besetzung', 'Ostland', 'Riga') on stamps that are recognizably Latvian in design. Pay attention to the currency (Reichspfennig/Reichsmark) and the year of issue (1941). For precise identification and authentication, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list German WWII Occupation of Latvia stamps?
German WWII Occupation of Latvia stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Michel (especially the Germany and Occupied Territories volumes), Scott, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context.
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