North German Postal District Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About North German Postal District Stamps
The North German Postal District, or Norddeutscher Postbezirk, was a significant administrative entity in Central Europe during the mid-19th century, primarily encompassing the territories of the North German Confederation. Its postal history is crucial as it represents a major step toward German unification, preceding the establishment of the German Empire in 1871. Stamps issued by this district predominantly feature the German language and often display the insignia of the North German Confederation. The postal system was eventually absorbed into the unified German Reichspost, marking a key transition in the region's philatelic and political landscape.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1868 – 1869
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- North German Thaler
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Stamp Catalogs
North German Postal District stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular North German Postal District Stamp Series
Numeral Issue (1868-1869)
The primary and only definitive issue, featuring large numerals indicating the denomination, often within an oval or circular frame, printed on white paper.
Official Stamps (1869)
Stamps overprinted 'Frei' (Free) for official use, primarily by government departments.
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North German Postal District Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties (e.g., paper types, perforations, plate flaws). Mint condition and rare cancellations command higher prices. The 1/4 Groschen and 1/2 Groschen values are generally more common.
How to Identify North German Postal District Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying North German Postal District stamps:
- 1 Look for the inscription 'NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK' or 'NORDDEUTSCHER POST-BEZIRK' at the top or bottom.
- 2 Stamps typically feature large numerals as the central design element, indicating the denomination.
- 3 Denominations are expressed in Groschen (Gr.) or Silbergroschen (Sgr.) for the northern states, and Kreuzer (Kr.) for the southern states within the district.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are North German Postal District stamps?
North German Postal District stamps were issued by the Norddeutscher Postbezirk, a postal administration that served the North German Confederation from 1868 to 1869. These stamps represent a crucial step towards German postal unification before the establishment of the German Empire.
Are North German Postal District stamps valuable?
Some North German Postal District stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare denominations, specific plate varieties, or stamps in pristine condition with desirable cancellations. Common stamps might range from €5-€50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Factors like condition, rarity, and demand significantly influence their market value.
How can I identify North German Postal District stamps?
You can identify North German Postal District stamps by looking for the inscription 'NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK' and their characteristic numeral designs. Denominations are typically in Groschen or Kreuzer. For precise identification and to distinguish varieties, using a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize these historical stamps is highly recommended, along with consulting specialized catalogs.
Which catalogs list North German Postal District stamps?
North German Postal District stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under German States or Germany), the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (under German States).
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