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.
- Issued stamps
- 1884–1919
- Region
- Africa, East Africa, Southwest Africa, West Africa
- Currency
- Mark
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- German Empire
About German Colonies stamps
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify German Colonies stamps
- Look for the 'Yacht' design (imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern') which is characteristic of most German Colonial issues from 1900 onwards.
- Examine overprints: Early issues often have 'Deutsch-Ostafrika', 'Deutsch-Südwestafrika', 'Kamerun', 'Togo', 'Kiautschou', etc., overprinted on German Empire stamps.
- Check watermarks: Many issues feature a lozenges or cross watermark.
- Note the currency: Early issues might be in Pfennig and Mark, later issues also in local currencies or with specific surcharges.
Popular 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.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€50,000+
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.
Catalogs. German Colonies 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 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.
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.
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'). For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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