German Plebiscite Territories Stamps
The German Plebiscite Territories were a collection of small regions in Central Europe, primarily in East and West Prussia, whose final disposition was determined by popular vote following World War I. These areas were administered temporarily by the League of Nations or neighboring states, leading to a complex postal history marked by provisional issues and overprints reflecting shifting sovereignty.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1920
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- DEM
- Languages
- German, Polish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
History and background
Stamps from these territories typically featured German language inscriptions, often alongside local or administrative markings, before their definitive incorporation into Poland or Germany. The issues cease abruptly following the 1920 plebiscites, marking a brief but distinct period in German philatelic geography.
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.
- ABSTIMMUNGSGEBIET ALLENSTEIN
- MARIENWERDER
How to identify them
- Look for German stamps with distinctive overprints indicating the plebiscite territory (e.g., 'ABSTIMMUNGSGEBIET ALLENSTEIN', 'MARIENWERDER', 'S.H.').
- Check for specific dates around 1920, as these issues were short-lived.
- Examine the overprint for authenticity; forgeries are known due to their value.
Popular series
-
Allenstein Plebiscite
1920
Stamps of Germany overprinted 'ABSTIMMUNGSGEBIET ALLENSTEIN' or 'TRAVNA' for the plebiscite region.
-
Marienwerder Plebiscite
1920
German stamps overprinted 'MARIENWERDER' or 'PLEBISZIT MARIENWERDER' for the plebiscite area.
-
Schleswig Plebiscite
1920
German stamps overprinted 'S.H.' (Schleswig-Holstein) or 'VOTING AREA' for the plebiscite zones.
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
- €100–€5,000+
The value of German Plebiscite Territory stamps varies significantly based on the specific territory, overprint, condition, and rarity. Some provisional issues and errors can be quite valuable, especially those from Allenstein and Marienwerder. Complete sets and covers are highly sought after.
Catalogs. German Plebiscite Territories 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 Plebiscite Territories stamps
German Plebiscite Territories stamps are issues from small regions in Central Europe, primarily in East and West Prussia, where the population voted on their national allegiance after World War I. These stamps were typically German issues overprinted with the name of the plebiscite territory or other relevant markings, used for a brief period around 1920.
Yes, many German Plebiscite Territories stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprints, errors, and complete sets. Their short period of use and historical significance contribute to their desirability among collectors. Values can range from a few euros for common issues to thousands for rare varieties.
To identify German Plebiscite Territories stamps, look for German stamps from the early 20th century (around 1920) that bear specific overprints such as 'ALLENSTEIN', 'MARIENWERDER', 'S.H.' (Schleswig-Holstein), or other territorial designations. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
German Plebiscite Territories stamps are comprehensively listed in major stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Germany and Colonies section), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (under Germany and related areas).
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