German Empire Stamps
The German Empire, spanning Central Europe from 1871 to 1918, was a major European power whose postal system was unified under the North German Confederation framework. Its stamps, primarily denominated in Pfennig and Mark, predominantly feature German script, reflecting the consolidation of numerous smaller German states.
- Issued stamps
- 1872–1945
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- DEM
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About German Empire stamps
The Empire established an extensive network of colonial post offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, which issued distinct stamps until the territories were lost after World War I. This period of unified postal administration ended with the establishment of the Weimar Republic, leading to significant changes in stamp design and issuing authority.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- DEUTSCHES REICH
How to identify German Empire stamps
- Look for 'Deutsches Reich' or 'Reichspost' inscriptions.
- Denominations are typically in Pfennig (Pf.) and Mark (M.).
- Early issues often feature the imperial eagle or shield designs.
- Later issues (from 1900) frequently depict the allegorical figure of Germania.
- Pay attention to watermarks (e.g., lozenges, crosses) and perforation types.
Popular series
-
Small Shield Issue
1872-1874
The first definitive series of the German Empire, featuring the imperial eagle within a small shield, denominated in Groschen and Kreuzer, then Pfennig and Mark.
-
Reichspost Issue
1889-1900
Definitive stamps featuring the imperial eagle and the inscription 'Reichspost', a long-running and widely used series.
-
Germania Issue
1900-1922
One of the most iconic and longest-running German stamp series, depicting an allegorical figure of Germania. Many varieties exist, including those overprinted for inflation.
-
Kaiser's Yacht 'Hohenzollern' Issue
1905-1920
A popular pictorial series featuring Emperor Wilhelm II's yacht, used for higher denominations and often collected for its aesthetic appeal.
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–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€5,000+
Common stamps from the German Empire are generally affordable. However, early issues, high denominations, specific plate flaws, rare cancellations, and especially stamps from German Colonies can command significant prices. The Germania series, while plentiful, has many valuable varieties due to overprints and paper types.
Catalogs. German Empire 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 Empire stamps
German Empire stamps are postage stamps issued by the unified German Empire from 1872 to 1918. They represent the postal history of Germany following its unification under Prussian leadership, including stamps for its colonial territories.
The value of German Empire stamps varies widely. Many common issues are inexpensive, but early issues, high denominations, specific varieties (like plate flaws or rare overprints), and stamps from German Colonies can be quite valuable, sometimes fetching hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
To identify German Empire stamps, look for inscriptions like 'Deutsches Reich' or 'Reichspost' and denominations in Pfennig and Mark. Common designs include the imperial eagle, shields, and the allegorical figure of Germania. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
German Empire stamps are extensively listed in all major philatelic catalogs. The Michel catalog (Germany) is considered the definitive reference for German stamps, offering the most detailed information. Scott (USA) and Stanley Gibbons (UK) also provide comprehensive listings and pricing for German Empire issues.
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