French Rheinland Pfalz Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Rheinland-Pfalz (Occupation) Stamps
French Rheinland Pfalz, or the Rhineland-Palatinate, was a region in Western Europe administered by France following World War II as part of the Allied occupation zones of Germany. Stamps issued for this territory, primarily between 1945 and 1949, reflect this immediate post-war transition, often featuring French administrative oversight. The primary language appearing on these provisional issues was German, though French influence was evident in the administrative context. This entity ceased to exist when it was incorporated into the Federal Republic of Germany during the formation of the modern German states in 1949.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1947 – 1949
- Languages:
- German, French
- Currency:
- DM
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Rheinland-Pfalz (Occupation) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Rheinland-Pfalz (Occupation) Stamp Series
French Zone - Rheinland-Pfalz Issues (1947-1949)
Provisional issues for the French-occupied zone of Rheinland-Pfalz, often overprinted or new designs reflecting the post-war administration.
Posthorn Series (1949)
A definitive series featuring a posthorn design, issued just before the incorporation into the Federal Republic of Germany.
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French Rheinland-Pfalz (Occupation) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are inexpensive, but certain varieties, errors, and high-value definitives, especially in mint condition or on cover, can fetch significant prices. Complete sets are more desirable.
How to Identify French Rheinland-Pfalz (Occupation) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Rheinland-Pfalz (Occupation) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Rheinland-Pfalz' or 'Rheinland Pfalz' as part of the inscription, often alongside 'Post' or 'Deutsche Post'.
- 2 Stamps typically feature German text, but the administrative context is French. Designs are often simple, reflecting post-war austerity.
- 3 Check for watermarks, which can be crucial for identifying specific printings and varieties.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Rheinland Pfalz stamps?
French Rheinland Pfalz stamps were issued for the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany while it was under French administration following World War II, primarily between 1947 and 1949. These provisional issues reflect the immediate post-war period and the transition towards a new German state.
Are French Rheinland Pfalz stamps valuable?
While many common French Rheinland Pfalz stamps are relatively inexpensive, certain definitive issues, complete sets, varieties, and stamps on original covers can be quite valuable. Rarity is often determined by print runs, condition, and specific overprints or errors. Prices can range from under a Euro for common examples to several hundred Euros for rare items.
How can I identify French Rheinland Pfalz stamps?
To identify French Rheinland Pfalz stamps, look for inscriptions like 'Rheinland-Pfalz' or 'Rheinland Pfalz' along with 'Post' or 'Deutsche Post'. The designs are generally characteristic of post-war German issues. For precise identification, including varieties and watermarks, use a philatelic catalog or a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize the stamp.
Which catalogs list French Rheinland Pfalz stamps?
French Rheinland Pfalz stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Michel catalog (Germany specialized sections), the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the Stanley Gibbons catalog, typically under 'Germany - French Zone' or 'Rheinland-Pfalz'.
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