Berlin Stamps
Berlin, situated in North-Central Europe, possessed a unique and complex postal history primarily defined by its post-World War II division. As the capital of Germany, its postal administration was subject to the Allied Control Council's authority, leading to separate issues for the Soviet sector (East Berlin) and the Western sectors (West Berlin).
- Issued stamps
- 1948–1990
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- DEM
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
About Berlin stamps
Stamps from this era predominantly feature German language, often reflecting the political division until reunification in 1990, after which the unified German postal system resumed control.
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.
- BERLIN
- DEUTSCHE POST BERLIN
How to identify Berlin stamps
- Look for 'BERLIN' or 'DEUTSCHE POST BERLIN' inscription.
- Stamps issued between 1948 and 1990, often featuring designs distinct from East or West Germany.
- Many issues feature a 'Notopfer Berlin' surcharge, indicating their purpose for aid.
Popular series
-
Buildings and Monuments
1948-1950s
Early issues depicting iconic Berlin landmarks, often reflecting the city's reconstruction efforts.
-
Famous Berliners
1950s-1980s
Stamps honoring notable figures from Berlin's history in arts, science, and politics.
-
Berlin Aid Issues (Notopfer Berlin)
1948-1956
Surcharged stamps with a portion of the proceeds going to aid West Berlin, identifiable by the 'Notopfer Berlin' inscription.
-
Christmas Stamps
1949-1990
Annual festive issues, often featuring religious or winter-themed designs.
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
- €0.10–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common stamps are readily available and inexpensive. Early issues, especially those with significant errors, varieties, or specific cancellations, can command higher prices. The 'Notopfer Berlin' issues are generally more sought after. Complete sets in fine condition also hold better value.
Catalogs. Berlin 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 Berlin stamps
Berlin stamps refer to the postage stamps issued specifically for the Western sectors of Berlin between 1948 and 1990, during the city's post-World War II division. These issues were distinct from those of East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) for much of this period.
The value of Berlin stamps varies widely. Many common issues are inexpensive, ranging from €0.10 to €5. However, certain early issues, stamps with errors or varieties, complete sets, and those with the 'Notopfer Berlin' surcharge can be more valuable, potentially reaching €50 to €500 or more, especially in mint condition or with desirable cancellations.
You can identify Berlin stamps by looking for the inscription 'BERLIN' or 'DEUTSCHE POST BERLIN'. They were issued between 1948 and 1990. Many also feature a 'Notopfer Berlin' surcharge. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Berlin stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue all include detailed listings and valuations for stamps issued by Berlin.
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