Cottbus Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Cottbus (Germany, Local Issues) Stamps
Cottbus, historically a significant city in Lower Lusatia, is geographically situated in the modern German state of Brandenburg, placing it within Central Europe. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with the complex administrative shifts of the German states, particularly Prussia, before becoming part of the unified German Empire and subsequent German republics. Stamps issued for this region, when it held distinct postal arrangements, would primarily feature German language inscriptions. The city's identity and postal administration reflect its long association with the German postal system, often mirroring national issues unless specific local surcharges were applied during periods of transition.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1946 – 1946
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- DM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
Cottbus (Germany, Local Issues) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Cottbus (Germany, Local Issues) Stamp Series
Local Issues of Cottbus (1946)
Provisional issues created due to postal disruptions after WWII, often featuring local overprints or surcharges on existing German stamps.
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Cottbus (Germany, Local Issues) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Cottbus local issues varies significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and rarity of the underlying stamp. Unused examples and those with clear, well-centered overprints tend to command higher prices. Forgeries and unofficial issues are known, so expert authentication is crucial for high-value items.
How to Identify Cottbus (Germany, Local Issues) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Cottbus (Germany, Local Issues) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Cottbus' overprints or surcharges on German stamps, typically from the pre-war or early post-war period.
- 2 Examine the typography and color of the overprint, as these can distinguish official issues from unofficial ones.
- 3 Check for watermarks and perforations consistent with the underlying German stamps of the era.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cottbus stamps?
Cottbus stamps refer to provisional local issues created in the city of Cottbus, Germany, during the immediate post-World War II period in 1946. These were typically existing German stamps overprinted or surcharged to meet local postal needs due to the collapse of central postal authority.
Are Cottbus stamps valuable?
Some Cottbus local issues can be quite valuable, especially rare varieties, well-preserved examples, or those with specific overprint errors. Common issues might be in the €5-€50 range, while rarer items can fetch hundreds of Euros. Their value is highly dependent on authenticity, condition, and the specific overprint.
How can I identify Cottbus stamps?
To identify Cottbus stamps, look for 'Cottbus' overprints on German stamps from the mid-1940s. Pay attention to the specific design and color of the overprint. Consulting a specialized catalog like Michel is essential. For quick identification, you can use a stamp identifier app that can help recognize these specific local issues.
Which catalogs list Cottbus stamps?
Cottbus local issues are primarily listed in the Michel catalog, which is the standard reference for German and European philately. Scott catalogs may also list some of the more prominent issues, but Michel provides more comprehensive detail for German local issues.
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