Saarland Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Saarland Stamps
Saarland is a small federal state situated in Western Europe, bordering France and Luxembourg. Its postal history is uniquely defined by its complex post-WWI and post-WWII status, including periods as a French protectorate and a Saar Protectorate, leading to distinct issues often denominated in French Francs or the Saar Mark. Stamps from this region predominantly feature German language, reflecting its cultural heritage, though some issues during the protectorate periods show bilingual or French inscriptions. The territory reverted fully to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957, integrating its postal system into the Deutsche Bundespost.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1957 – 1959
- Languages:
- German, French
- Currency:
- EUR
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
Saarland stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Saarland Stamp Series
Saarland Definitive Issues (1957-1959)
These issues often depicted local landmarks, industries, or prominent figures, reflecting the region's identity during its final years of autonomy before reintegration into West Germany.
Saarland Commemorative Issues (1957-1959)
Commemorative stamps marking significant events or anniversaries, often featuring designs that highlighted Saarland's culture or its relationship with Germany and France.
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Saarland Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Saarland stamps from this period are generally affordable. Rarer issues, particularly those in pristine condition, with errors, or specific cancellations, can fetch higher prices. The earlier Saar (French Protectorate) and Saar Protectorate issues tend to be more valuable overall.
How to Identify Saarland Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Saarland stamps:
- 1 Look for 'SAARLAND' or 'SAAR' inscriptions, often with denominations in French Francs (until 1957) or Deutsche Mark (post-1957, though the period 1957-1959 primarily used Saar Francs/Deutsche Mark equivalent before full integration).
- 2 Stamps from the 1957-1959 period will typically have designs reflecting the Federal Republic of Germany's influence, but still distinctly marked 'SAARLAND'.
- 3 Pay attention to watermarks and perforations, as these can distinguish between similar-looking issues from different periods or printings.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Saarland stamps?
Saarland stamps refer to postage stamps issued by the Saarland region, a small federal state in Western Europe. Its postal history is complex, including periods as a French protectorate and a Saar Protectorate, leading to distinct issues often denominated in French Francs or the Saar Mark. The stamps from 1957-1959 represent its final period of postal autonomy before full integration into the Federal Republic of Germany.
Are Saarland stamps valuable?
The value of Saarland stamps varies. Common issues from the 1957-1959 period are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, rarer stamps, particularly those from earlier protectorate periods, specific commemorative issues, errors, or those in mint condition, can be quite valuable, fetching prices from €20 to over €200. Their historical context often adds to their appeal for collectors.
How can I identify Saarland stamps?
To identify Saarland stamps, look for the inscription 'SAARLAND' or 'SAAR'. Pay attention to the currency denomination, which can indicate the specific period (French Francs for earlier issues, or the Saar Mark/Deutsche Mark equivalent for later ones). Designs often feature local landmarks or cultural elements. For precise identification and valuation, you can use a stamp identifier app, which can scan your stamp and provide detailed information.
Which catalogs list Saarland stamps?
Saarland stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (Germany Specialized Catalog), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (though primarily for earlier issues, later issues are in European volumes). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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