Danzig Stamps
Danzig, officially the Free City of Danzig, was a semi-autonomous city-state situated on the Baltic coast of Central Europe, strategically located at the mouth of the Vistula River. Its postal history is defined by its unique political status following World War I, operating under League of Nations supervision between 1920 and 1939, during which it maintained its own postal administration.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1939
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- GDA
- Languages
- German, Polish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Danzig stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature German language inscriptions, reflecting the city's historical and demographic ties, alongside Polish influence due to its geopolitical position. The Free City's existence ended abruptly with the German invasion in 1939, after which its postal system was fully integrated into the German Reichspost.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Danzig stamps
- Look for the inscription 'Danzig' or 'Freie Stadt Danzig'.
- Stamps often feature the Danzig coat of arms (two white crosses on a red shield) or local landmarks.
- Early issues are German stamps with overprints.
- The currency units used are typically Mark (until 1923) and then Gulden (from 1923).
Popular series
-
First Issues (Overprints on German Stamps)
1920
German stamps overprinted 'Danzig' or 'Freie Stadt Danzig', marking the city's new status.
-
Definitives with Danzig Motifs
1921-1939
Stamps featuring local landmarks, coats of arms, and historical figures, reflecting Danzig's unique identity.
-
Airmail Issues
1921-1938
Special stamps for airmail services, often depicting aircraft or symbolic 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
- €0.50–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€5,000+
Early overprints and high-value definitives, especially in mint condition or on cover, can be quite valuable. Errors and varieties are also sought after. Later issues are generally more common.
Catalogs. Danzig 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 Danzig stamps
Danzig stamps are postage stamps issued by the Free City of Danzig, a semi-autonomous city-state that existed between 1920 and 1939 under League of Nations supervision. They reflect the city's unique political status and its blend of German and Polish influences.
The value of Danzig stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare early overprints, high-value definitives, or stamps with errors, especially in fine mint condition or on original covers, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and rarity are key factors.
Danzig stamps are primarily identified by the inscriptions 'Danzig' or 'Freie Stadt Danzig'. Many feature local motifs like the city's coat of arms or prominent buildings. Early issues are German stamps with these overprints. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Danzig stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (as 'Danzig'), Michel (as 'Danzig'), and Stanley Gibbons (as 'Danzig'). These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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