German Caroline Islands Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Caroline Islands Stamps
The German Caroline Islands were a group of islands in Micronesia, Oceania, administered by the German Empire from 1899 after purchasing them from Spain. During this period, postal services were managed under the German colonial administration, with stamps typically bearing German inscriptions and denominations. The territory's postal history is relatively brief, concluding with the Japanese occupation following the outbreak of World War I. Issues from this era are significant as they represent a distinct phase of German colonial philately in the Pacific.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Oceania
- Subregion:
- Micronesia
- Issuing period:
- 1899 – 1915
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- German Mark
- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German Caroline Islands stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Caroline Islands Stamp Series
Yacht Issue (Hohenzollern Yacht) (1899-1914)
The definitive series for German colonies, featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern'. Overprinted with 'Karolinen' for use in the Caroline Islands.
Provisional Issues (1899)
Early issues often involved German Empire stamps overprinted 'Karolinen' or 'Deutsche Kolonien' before the dedicated yacht series.
issuer:german-caroline-islands.series.items.2.name (issuer:german-caroline-islands.series.items.2.period)
issuer:german-caroline-islands.series.items.2.description
German Caroline Islands Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps from the German Caroline Islands, especially the Yacht issue with the 'Karolinen' overprint, are highly sought after by colonial German philatelists. Rarity is often determined by specific overprint varieties, cancellations, and condition. High values are typically for mint, unused examples or rare cancellations.
How to Identify German Caroline Islands Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Caroline Islands stamps:
- 1 Look for the 'Karolinen' overprint on German Empire stamps or the 'Yacht' series.
- 2 Examine the watermark (usually lozenges or rhomboids for the Yacht issue).
- 3 Check for cancellations, often showing 'PONAPE', 'TRUK', 'YAP', or 'KUSAIE' postmarks.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Caroline Islands stamps?
German Caroline Islands stamps are postage stamps issued for the German colonial territory of the Caroline Islands in Micronesia, from 1899 to 1915. They typically consist of German Empire stamps or the 'Yacht' series overprinted with 'Karolinen'.
Are German Caroline Islands stamps valuable?
Yes, many German Caroline Islands stamps are valuable, particularly those in good condition, with clear overprints, or rare cancellations. Common examples might fetch €5-€50, while rare varieties, especially mint or with significant postal history, can command hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
How can I identify German Caroline Islands stamps?
To identify German Caroline Islands stamps, look for the distinctive 'Karolinen' overprint on German Empire or 'Yacht' series stamps. Pay attention to the design, watermarks, and postmarks. For precise identification and authentication, you can use a stamp identifier app or consult specialized German colonial stamp catalogs.
Which catalogs list German Caroline Islands stamps?
German Caroline Islands stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under German Colonies), Michel (Germany and Colonies), and Stanley Gibbons (British Commonwealth & Empire, but also covers German Colonies). Michel is particularly comprehensive for German colonial issues.
Not sure if your stamp is from German Caroline Islands?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store