German Samoa Stamps
German Samoa, located in Oceania within the Polynesian subregion, was administered as a German colony from 1899 until its capture by New Zealand forces in 1914. Stamps issued during this period primarily featured German colonial designs and were denominated in German currency, reflecting the administrative control of the German Empire.
- Issued stamps
- 1900–1915
- Region
- Oceania, Polynesia
- Currency
- DEM
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- German Empire
About German Samoa stamps
Following the occupation, postal services transitioned under New Zealand administration, leading to the eventual issuance of stamps reflecting British Commonwealth postal practices and English language usage. The territory's postal history is thus marked by a distinct, albeit brief, period of German colonial philately before its integration into the New Zealand mandate system.
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.
- G.R.I.
How to identify German Samoa stamps
- Look for the 'Samoa' overprint on German colonial 'Yacht' designs or early German Empire stamps.
- Check for the 'G.R.I.' and 'Samoa' overprints on German Samoa stamps, indicating New Zealand occupation.
- Denominations are in German currency (Pfennig and Mark).
Popular series
-
Yacht 'Hohenzollern' Issue
1900-1914
The definitive series for German colonies, featuring the imperial yacht 'Hohenzollern II'. These stamps were overprinted 'Samoa'.
-
Samoa Overprints on German Empire Stamps
1900
Early issues consisting of German Empire stamps overprinted 'Samoa' for use in the colony.
-
New Zealand Occupation Overprints
1914-1915
German Samoa stamps overprinted 'G.R.I.' (Georgius Rex Imperator) and 'Samoa' by the New Zealand occupying forces.
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–€1000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific overprints, and denominations. Early overprints and higher denominations, especially those with good centering and no faults, command higher prices. Stamps used during the New Zealand occupation are also sought after.
Catalogs. German Samoa 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 Samoa stamps
German Samoa stamps are postage stamps issued for the German colony of Samoa from 1900 to 1914. They primarily feature German colonial designs, such as the 'Yacht' series, overprinted with 'Samoa', and were denominated in German currency. A brief period of New Zealand occupation issues also exists.
Yes, many German Samoa stamps can be valuable, especially early overprints, higher denominations, and stamps from the New Zealand occupation period. Their value depends heavily on rarity, condition, and specific varieties. Common stamps might be worth a few euros, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands.
You can identify German Samoa stamps by looking for the 'Samoa' overprint on German colonial designs (like the 'Yacht' series) or early German Empire stamps. Stamps from the occupation period will also have 'G.R.I.' and 'Samoa' overprints. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
German Samoa stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue.
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