Bremen Stamps
Bremen, a historic city-state in Northern Germany, was a sovereign entity within the German Confederation and later the German Empire. Its postal history is distinct, featuring issues prior to the unification of the German postal system in 1872, reflecting its status as a major North Sea port.
- Issued stamps
- 1855–1866
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- Thaler
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- German Confederation
About Bremen stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature German text, often alongside the city's coat of arms. Following the establishment of the German Empire, Bremen's independent postal service was integrated into the Reichspost, marking a significant administrative transition in its philatelic record.
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.
- BREMEN
How to identify Bremen stamps
- Look for the distinctive 'Bremer Schlüssel' (Bremen Key) coat of arms as the central design element.
- Examine the text, which will be in German, typically 'BREMEN' at the top and denomination at the bottom.
- Note the printing method (typographed) and whether the stamp is imperforate or perforated. Early issues are imperforate.
- Check for watermarks, though Bremen stamps are generally unwatermarked.
Popular series
-
First Issues (Bremer Schlüssel)
1855-1863
Bremen's iconic first issues, featuring the city's coat of arms (the 'Bremer Schlüssel' or Bremen Key) with various denominations and colors. These were typographed and imperforate.
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Perforated Issues
1861-1866
Later issues of the 'Bremer Schlüssel' design, distinguished by their perforation, marking a technological advancement in stamp production for Bremen.
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
- €500–€10,000+
Common imperforate issues are relatively affordable. Perforated varieties, especially those with higher denominations or in fine condition, can command significant prices. Covers and rare cancellations are highly sought after.
Catalogs. Bremen 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 Bremen stamps
Bremen stamps are postage stamps issued by the independent city-state of Bremen in Northern Germany between 1855 and 1866. They reflect Bremen's status as a sovereign entity before the unification of the German postal system.
The value of Bremen stamps varies significantly. Common imperforate issues can be found for €5-€50, while rare perforated varieties, higher denominations, or stamps on cover can fetch hundreds to thousands of Euros. Condition, cancellation, and rarity play a crucial role in determining value.
Bremen stamps are easily identified by their central design featuring the 'Bremer Schlüssel' (Bremen Key) coat of arms and German text. Key identifiers include the 'BREMEN' inscription and the denomination. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Bremen stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (as part of German States), Michel (Germany Specialized), and Stanley Gibbons (Part 7: Central Europe). These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context.
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