Denmark Stamps
Denmark is a North European nation situated on the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands in the Baltic Sea, historically serving as a major maritime power. Its postal history is characterized by early adoption of adhesive stamps in 1851 and continuous membership in the Universal Postal Union since 1875, reflecting its stable political evolution.
- Issued stamps
- 1851–present
- Region
- Europe, Northern Europe
- Currency
- DKK
- Languages
- Danish, Norwegian, German
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Denmark stamps
Danish stamps predominantly feature the Danish language, often alongside Norwegian or German in earlier issues related to Schleswig. The country's philatelic record encompasses issues for the mainland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, though the latter two now maintain separate postal administrations.
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.
- DANMARK
- KGL. POST
How to identify Denmark stamps
- Look for the country name 'DANMARK' (or 'KGL. POST' on early issues).
- Early issues often feature numerals, royal portraits (Christian IX, Frederik VIII, Christian X, Frederik IX), or the posthorn motif.
- Watermarks are crucial for identifying specific printings and varieties, especially on 19th and early 20th-century issues.
- Cancellations can be important for value, particularly early town cancels or specific postal markings.
Popular series
-
First Issue (Numeral)
1851-1863
Denmark's first adhesive stamps, featuring a large numeral of value within an ornate frame.
-
King Christian IX (Small Arms)
1870-1902
A long-running series depicting King Christian IX, known for its various printings and watermarks.
-
Posthorn Issues
1902-1933
Definitive stamps featuring the iconic posthorn design, a symbol of postal services.
-
King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid
1948-1972
A popular definitive series featuring portraits of the royal couple, with numerous variations.
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
- €100–€10,000+
Common Danish stamps are generally inexpensive. Early issues, especially the first numeral stamps (1851-1863) in fine condition or with rare cancellations, can command significant prices. Errors, varieties, and specific printings also increase value. Stamps from the Faroe Islands and Greenland, while distinct, can also be highly sought after.
Catalogs. Denmark 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 Denmark stamps
Denmark stamps are postage stamps issued by the Kingdom of Denmark, beginning in 1851. They cover issues for mainland Denmark, and historically, also for its territories like the Faroe Islands and Greenland before they gained separate postal administrations. Danish stamps are known for their classic designs, often featuring royalty, national symbols, and cultural themes.
The value of Denmark stamps varies widely. Many common modern issues are inexpensive, costing a few cents or euros. However, early issues, particularly the first numeral stamps from 1851, rare cancellations, errors, and certain definitive series varieties can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition, rarity, and demand are key factors in determining value.
You can identify Denmark stamps by looking for the country name 'DANMARK' or 'KGL. POST' (for early issues). Key design elements include royal portraits, the posthorn, and numerals. Watermarks are also critical for accurate identification, especially for older stamps. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Denmark stamps are comprehensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs. The Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Volume 2), the Michel Europa-Katalog (Band 4: Nordeuropa), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps (though Denmark is not British, Gibbons often includes major European countries) are excellent resources. There are also specialized Danish catalogs for more detailed information.
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