Allenstein Stamps
Allenstein, historically located in East Prussia, is situated in the geographical region of Central Europe, now primarily corresponding to the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in modern Poland. Its postal history is complex, reflecting its shifting sovereignty, particularly after World War I when it was subject to League of Nations plebiscite administration before ultimately remaining part of Germany until 1945.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1920
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- German Papiermark
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
About Allenstein stamps
Stamps issued during this period often featured German language and currency, reflecting its administrative ties. The region's transition following World War II resulted in its incorporation into Poland, fundamentally altering the subsequent postal administration and language usage on its stamps.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ALLENSTEIN
How to identify Allenstein stamps
- Look for the overprint 'ALLENSTEIN' (often in sans-serif capitals) on German stamps of the period.
- Some issues also feature a new value overprint in German Papiermark.
- The base stamps are typically German definitive issues from the early 20th century.
Popular series
-
Allenstein Plebiscite Issues
1920
German stamps overprinted 'ALLENSTEIN' for use during the League of Nations plebiscite.
-
Allenstein Plebiscite Issues with Value Overprint
1920
German stamps overprinted 'ALLENSTEIN' and new values in German Papiermark.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1,000+
Stamps from Allenstein are generally sought after by collectors of German philately and plebiscite issues. Value is highly dependent on condition, specific overprint varieties, and whether they are on cover. Complete sets and specific high-value denominations can command significant prices.
Catalogs. Allenstein stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Allenstein stamps
Allenstein stamps are German postage stamps overprinted 'ALLENSTEIN' for use in the Allenstein (Olsztyn) plebiscite area in East Prussia during 1920. This region was administered by the League of Nations before a vote determined its future sovereignty.
Yes, Allenstein stamps can be quite valuable, especially complete sets, specific overprint varieties, and stamps on original covers. Their value ranges from a few euros for common examples to hundreds or even thousands of euros for rare issues in fine condition. Factors like the specific German base stamp, the overprint type, and condition significantly influence their worth.
To identify Allenstein stamps, look for the distinctive 'ALLENSTEIN' overprint on German stamps issued around 1920. Some also have additional value overprints. Comparing your stamps to catalog images is crucial. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Allenstein stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under Germany, Plebiscite Issues), the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (often within German area listings).
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