German WWII Occupation of Estonia Stamps
German WWII Occupation of Estonia, a region in Northern Europe, saw the issuance of stamps under the administration of Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1944. These issues replaced earlier independent Estonian stamps and reflected the temporary military governance imposed during the Second World War.
- Issued stamps
- 1941–1941
- Region
- Europe, Northern Europe
- Currency
- RM
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
History and background
The postal markings and inscriptions on these stamps are predominantly in German, reflecting the occupying authority's language. This period represents a significant, albeit brief, interruption in Estonia's sovereign postal history, preceding the re-establishment of Soviet control.
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.
- OSTLAND
- DEUTSCHE BESETZUNG OSTLAND
How to identify them
- Look for 'OSTLAND' or 'DEUTSCHE BESETZUNG OSTLAND' overprints on original Estonian stamps.
- Examine the design for German-language inscriptions and symbols of the Third Reich, even if subtle.
- Verify the watermark and paper type against known issues for this period, as forgeries are prevalent.
Popular series
-
Overprints on Estonian Stamps
1941
Estonian stamps overprinted with 'OSTLAND' or 'DEUTSCHE BESETZUNG OSTLAND' and new denominations.
-
German Definitive Issues for Ostland
1941
Stamps issued specifically for the German-occupied Eastern territories, including Estonia, often featuring local scenes or symbols.
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
- €1–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's on cover. Forgeries of overprints are common, so expertization is recommended for higher-value items.
Catalogs. German WWII Occupation of Estonia 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 WWII Occupation of Estonia stamps
These are postage stamps issued between 1941 and 1944 when Estonia was under German occupation during World War II. They primarily consist of Estonian stamps overprinted with German text and new denominations, or specific German issues for the occupied Eastern territories (Ostland).
The value of these stamps varies significantly. Common overprints in used condition might be worth a few euros, while rare varieties, errors, or stamps on original covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and authenticity are crucial factors.
You can identify them by looking for German overprints like 'OSTLAND' or 'DEUTSCHE BESETZUNG OSTLAND' on Estonian stamps, or by recognizing designs specific to the German occupation of the Eastern territories. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
These stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott (under 'German Occupation Issues'), Michel (specifically in volumes covering German occupation issues and Ostland), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'German Occupation Issues').
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