German Post China Stamps
German Post China operated as an extraterritorial postal service in the Qing Dynasty, primarily within the German concessions in China, spanning parts of East Asia. This entity was established under the framework of the Universal Postal Union, reflecting Germany's colonial and commercial interests in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Issued stamps
- 1898–1906
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- German Mark (Pfennig)
- Languages
- German, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- German Empire
About German Post China stamps
Stamps issued by German Post China typically feature German inscriptions alongside Chinese characters, often denominated in German currency units. The service ceased operations following the outbreak of World War I, when German postal rights in China were revoked.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify German Post China stamps
- Look for 'China' overprints on German Empire stamps, often with additional Chinese characters.
- Denominations are typically in German currency (Pfennig and Mark).
- Examine the cancellation marks, which often indicate the specific German post office in China (e.g., Shanghai, Tientsin, Peking).
Popular series
-
Yacht Issue (Hohenzollern Yacht)
1900-1905
These stamps feature the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern' and were overprinted with 'China' and new denominations. They are highly sought after by collectors.
-
Germania Issue
1898-1900
Early issues featuring the allegorical figure of Germania, overprinted with 'China' and German currency values, often with additional Chinese characters.
-
Provisional Issues
1900
Stamps issued during the Boxer Rebellion, often featuring surcharges or provisional overprints due to supply shortages.
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
- €200–€5,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprints, and cancellations. Stamps with rare overprints or errors can fetch very high prices. Mint, never-hinged examples are more valuable.
Catalogs. German Post China 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 Post China stamps
German Post China stamps were issued by the German Empire for use in its extraterritorial postal services within German concessions in China, primarily from 1898 to 1906. These stamps often feature German designs overprinted with 'China' and local currency denominations.
Yes, many German Post China stamps are valuable, especially those with rare overprints, specific cancellations, or in pristine condition. Common issues can range from €5-€50, while rare varieties can command hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Their historical significance and limited period of use contribute to their collectibility.
To identify German Post China stamps, look for German Empire stamp designs (like Germania or the Yacht issue) with 'China' overprints and German currency denominations. Many also feature Chinese characters. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
German Post China stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (Germany section, then German Colonies), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (under German Colonies).
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