Germany Stamps
Germany, situated in Central Europe, possesses a complex postal history marked by numerous independent states before unification in 1871, followed by the German Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazi era, and subsequent division into East and West Germany until reunification in 1990. Its stamps predominantly feature the German language, often reflecting national achievements, historical figures, and cultural milestones.
- Issued stamps
- 1949–present
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Germany stamps
As a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), Germany's postal system has been central to European communications, with significant administrative shifts reflected in the distinct issues from the Deutsche Bundespost (West) and Deutsche Post (East).
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.
- DEUTSCHE BUNDESPOST
- BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
- DEUTSCHLAND
- DEUTSCHE POST
How to identify Germany stamps
- Look for 'DEUTSCHE POST' or 'DEUTSCHE BUNDESPOST' (West Germany) or 'DEUTSCHE POST' (East Germany, pre-1990) as the primary inscription.
- Post-1990 stamps will simply say 'DEUTSCHLAND' or 'DEUTSCHE POST'.
- Watermarks (especially on earlier issues) can be crucial for identification.
- The currency denomination (Pfennig, Mark, Euro) helps date the stamp.
Popular series
-
Dauerserie Frauen der deutschen Geschichte (Women in German History)
1986-2003
A long-running definitive series featuring prominent German women from various fields.
-
Dauerserie Sehenswürdigkeiten (Landmarks)
1997-2004
A definitive series showcasing famous German landmarks and architectural sites.
-
Posthorn Series
1951-1952
A classic definitive series from West Germany, highly sought after by collectors, featuring a stylized posthorn.
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
- €0.20–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€5,000+
Modern German stamps are generally affordable, with many common issues available for face value or slightly above. Earlier issues from West Germany (especially the Posthorn series) and certain commemorative sets can command higher prices. Errors, varieties, and early issues from the immediate post-war period can be quite valuable.
Catalogs. Germany 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 Germany stamps
Germany stamps refer to postage stamps issued by the unified Federal Republic of Germany since 1949, and its predecessor entities like West Germany (Deutsche Bundespost) and East Germany (Deutsche Post) before reunification in 1990. They reflect Germany's rich history, culture, and achievements.
The value of Germany stamps varies widely. Many modern issues are common and inexpensive. However, certain early West German issues (like the 'Posthorn' series), specific commemorative sets, errors, and stamps from the immediate post-war period can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to thousands of Euros. Condition plays a significant role in determining value.
To identify Germany stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'DEUTSCHE POST', 'DEUTSCHE BUNDESPOST', or 'DEUTSCHLAND'. The currency (Pfennig, Mark, or Euro) and the design elements often provide clues. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Germany stamps are extensively covered in all major philatelic catalogs. The Michel catalog (German) is considered the definitive reference for German philately. Scott (USA) and Stanley Gibbons (UK) also provide comprehensive listings and valuations for stamps from Germany.
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