Dorpat (Tartu) Stamps
Dorpat, historically known as Tartu, is a city located in present-day Estonia, placing it within Northern Europe and the Baltic region. Its postal history is complex, reflecting periods under Swedish, Russian Imperial, and later independent Estonian rule, with stamps often reflecting these shifting sovereignties.
- Issued stamps
- 1918–1918
- Region
- Europe, Northern Europe
- Currency
- Mark
- Languages
- Estonian, German
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Estonia
About Dorpat (Tartu) stamps
During periods of Russian administration, the local postal service often mirrored Imperial Russian issues, though local provisional stamps appeared during times of political transition. The language on stamps primarily reflects the dominant administrative power, shifting between Russian and Estonian over time.
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.
- DORPAT
How to identify Dorpat (Tartu) stamps
- Look for the 'DORPAT' overprint, usually in black, on German occupation stamps (Ostland issues).
- Check for the new value overprint, typically in Finnish Mark currency (e.g., '10 P.').
- Examine the underlying German stamp for its original design and watermarks.
Popular series
-
Dorpat Provisional Issues
1918
The only issues for Dorpat, these provisional stamps were created during the German occupation of Estonia in 1918. They consist of German occupation stamps (Ostland issues) overprinted with 'DORPAT' and new values in Finnish Mark currency.
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
- €20–€100
- Scarce stamps
- €200–€1000+
The value of Dorpat provisional stamps varies significantly based on the specific overprint, the underlying German stamp, and condition. Forgeries are known, so expertization is recommended for higher-value items.
Catalogs. Dorpat (Tartu) 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 Dorpat (Tartu) stamps
Dorpat stamps are provisional issues from 1918, created during the German occupation of Estonia. They consist of German occupation stamps (Ostland issues) overprinted with 'DORPAT' and new values in Finnish Mark currency, used in the city of Tartu (historically Dorpat).
Yes, Dorpat stamps can be quite valuable, especially in good condition and with clear, authentic overprints. Their value ranges from tens to hundreds or even thousands of Euros, depending on the specific variety, rarity, and condition. Expert authentication is often recommended due to the presence of forgeries.
To identify Dorpat stamps, look for the distinctive 'DORPAT' overprint on German occupation stamps from 1918, often accompanied by a new value in Finnish Mark currency. Pay attention to the details of the overprint and the underlying stamp. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Dorpat stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Estonia or German Occupation), Michel (Germany/Ostland issues with overprints), and Stanley Gibbons (under Estonia). These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values.
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