OPD Erfurt Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About OPD Erfurt (Oberpostdirektion Erfurt) Stamps
Opd Erfurt, a historical entity within the German postal system, is located in Central Europe. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the broader German states, particularly during the period of the North German Confederation and the German Empire, before the unification of the Reichspost. Stamps issued for this region would primarily feature German language and denominations relevant to the prevailing German currency systems of the time. As an administrative district rather than a sovereign nation, its postal issues reflect local needs within a larger national framework, often showing transitional characteristics related to regional postal authorities.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1945 – 1946
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- RM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
OPD Erfurt (Oberpostdirektion Erfurt) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular OPD Erfurt (Oberpostdirektion Erfurt) Stamp Series
Local Issues for Erfurt (1945-1946)
Provisional stamps issued under the authority of the Oberpostdirektion Erfurt during the immediate post-WWII period, often overprinted or surcharged German stamps.
Soviet Occupation Zone Issues (Erfurt District) (1945-1946)
Stamps specifically authorized or used within the Erfurt district under Soviet military administration, reflecting the fragmented postal services after the war.
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OPD Erfurt (Oberpostdirektion Erfurt) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on condition, specific overprints, and whether they are on cover. Early provisional issues from this period can be quite scarce, especially those with errors or specific cancellations. Michel catalog is the primary reference for these issues.
How to Identify OPD Erfurt (Oberpostdirektion Erfurt) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying OPD Erfurt (Oberpostdirektion Erfurt) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'OPD Erfurt' or 'Erfurt' overprints on German stamps, particularly those from the Weimar Republic or Third Reich era.
- 2 Examine the design for common German motifs, often with additional local markings or surcharges.
- 3 Pay attention to the paper, watermarks (if any, from the underlying stamps), and perforation, as these can help distinguish genuine issues from forgeries.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are OPD Erfurt stamps?
OPD Erfurt stamps are provisional postal issues from the Oberpostdirektion (Regional Postal Directorate) of Erfurt, Germany, used during the immediate post-World War II period (1945-1946) under Allied, specifically Soviet, occupation. They often consist of existing German stamps overprinted or surcharged for local use.
Are OPD Erfurt stamps valuable?
The value of OPD Erfurt stamps varies. Common issues can be relatively inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rare varieties, specific overprints, errors, or stamps on original covers can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes reaching €50 to over €500. Condition is a major factor in determining value.
How can I identify OPD Erfurt stamps?
To identify OPD Erfurt stamps, look for overprints or surcharges containing 'OPD Erfurt' or 'Erfurt' on stamps originally issued by Germany. Pay close attention to the specific text, font, and color of the overprint. Consulting a specialized catalog like Michel is crucial. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with recognition.
Which catalogs list OPD Erfurt stamps?
OPD Erfurt stamps are primarily listed in the Michel catalog, which is the standard reference for German and European philately. The Scott catalog also includes some of these issues, though often with less detail than Michel. Stanley Gibbons typically does not cover these highly localized provisional issues in depth.
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