French Rheinland Pfalz 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1947–1949
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- DM
- Languages
- German, French
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for 'Rheinland-Pfalz' or 'Rheinland Pfalz' as part of the inscription, often alongside 'Post' or 'Deutsche Post'.
- Stamps typically feature German text, but the administrative context is French. Designs are often simple, reflecting post-war austerity.
- Check for watermarks, which can be crucial for identifying specific printings and varieties.
Popular 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.
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–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
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.
Catalogs. French Rheinland Pfalz 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 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.
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.
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. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
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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