German Colonies Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About German Colonies Stamps
German Colonies comprised territories scattered across Africa, Oceania, and Asia, administered by the German Empire primarily between the late 19th century and the end of World War I. These disparate possessions, including German East Africa, German South West Africa, and Tsingtau, utilized stamps initially bearing the German imperial eagle or later specific colonial inscriptions. The postal administration was managed under the German Reichspost, often integrating into the Universal Postal Union (UPU) framework where possible, though local conditions varied widely. Following Germany's defeat in 1918, these territories were rapidly absorbed by Allied powers, leading to overprints and subsequent issues under new national authorities.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Africa
- Subregion:
- East Africa, Southwest Africa, West Africa
- Issuing period:
- 1884 – 1919
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- Mark
- Parent issuer:
- German Empire
Stamp Catalogs
German Colonies stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular German Colonies Stamp Series
Yacht Issue (Hohenzollern Yacht) (1900-1919)
The most iconic series, featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern' in various denominations and colors, used across almost all German colonies.
Imperial Eagle Issue (1884-1900)
Early issues for the colonies, often overprinted with the colony's name, featuring the German imperial eagle design.
Tsingtau (Kiautschou) Issues (1900-1919)
Specific issues for the German concession in China, often featuring the Yacht design but sometimes with unique overprints or designs.
German Colonies Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps from the Yacht issue are affordable. Rarities include early issues, high denominations, specific overprints, errors, and stamps on cover, especially from wartime periods or less common colonies like Samoa or Marshall Islands. Condition significantly impacts value.
How to Identify German Colonies Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying German Colonies stamps:
- 1 Look for the 'Yacht' design (imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern') which is characteristic of most German Colonial issues from 1900 onwards.
- 2 Examine overprints: Early issues often have 'Deutsch-Ostafrika', 'Deutsch-Südwestafrika', 'Kamerun', 'Togo', 'Kiautschou', etc., overprinted on German Empire stamps.
- 3 Check watermarks: Many issues feature a lozenges or cross watermark.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Colonies stamps?
German Colonies stamps were issued by the German Empire for its various colonial possessions across Africa, Oceania, and Asia, primarily from the late 19th century until the end of World War I. These stamps often featured the German imperial eagle or the famous 'Yacht' design, sometimes with specific colonial overprints.
Are German Colonies stamps valuable?
The value of German Colonies stamps varies widely. Common issues, especially from the 'Yacht' series, can be quite affordable (€5-€50). However, rare early issues, high denominations, specific overprints, errors, and stamps on cover, particularly from less common colonies or wartime periods, can fetch hundreds to tens of thousands of Euros. Condition is a major factor in determining value.
How can I identify German Colonies stamps?
To identify German Colonies stamps, look for the distinctive 'Yacht' design (the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern') or earlier imperial eagle designs. Many stamps will have overprints indicating the specific colony (e.g., 'Deutsch-Ostafrika', 'Kamerun'). You can also use a stamp identifier app by scanning the stamp, which can quickly match it to catalog entries and provide details.
Which catalogs list German Colonies stamps?
German Colonies stamps are comprehensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs. Collectors can find detailed information and pricing in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (or Michel Overseas), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (for post-WWI issues by Allied powers).
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