General Government Stamps
The General Government was an occupied territory in Central Europe established by Nazi Germany following the invasion of Poland in 1939. Its postal administration operated under German authority, resulting in stamps primarily featuring German inscriptions alongside Polish place names or denominations.
- Issued stamps
- 1939–1944
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- RM
- Languages
- German, Polish
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
About General Government stamps
This entity existed solely during the period of World War II, ceasing to function with the liberation of the region in 1945, which led to the reestablishment of Polish postal services. The stamps issued reflect this unique, temporary administrative status under foreign military occupation.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify General Government stamps
- Look for 'Deutsches Reich' or 'General Gouvernement' inscriptions.
- Many stamps feature the portrait of Adolf Hitler or German eagles.
- Overprinted Polish stamps will show original Polish designs with German overprints.
Popular series
-
General Government Overprints
1939-1940
Polish stamps overprinted with 'Deutsches Reich' and new denominations, often featuring a swastika.
-
Hitler Head Issues
1940-1944
Definitive stamps featuring the portrait of Adolf Hitler, common to many German occupation territories.
-
Views of Poland Series
1941-1944
Stamps depicting various scenic views and landmarks within the General Government territory.
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 issues are inexpensive. Rarities include specific overprint varieties, errors, and high-value definitives, especially on cover. Condition is crucial.
Catalogs. General Government 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 General Government stamps
General Government stamps were issued by the German occupation administration in central Poland during World War II (1939-1944). They reflect the temporary administrative status of the territory under Nazi Germany.
Most common General Government stamps have modest value, typically ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, certain overprint varieties, errors, high-denomination issues, and stamps on original covers can be significantly more valuable, reaching €50 to over €500.
You can identify General Government stamps by inscriptions like 'Deutsches Reich' or 'General Gouvernement', the presence of German eagles or Adolf Hitler's portrait, or by overprints on original Polish stamps. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
General Government stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and valuations.
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