Grossraschen Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Grossraschen Stamps
Grossraschen is a locality within the modern Federal Republic of Germany, situated in the historical region of Lusatia (Lausitz) in Central Europe. As part of the German postal system, its mail services were historically administered under various German states before unification, and later by the German Reich Post. Stamps used in this area would predominantly feature German language inscriptions, reflecting the broader administrative and linguistic environment of the German postal network. The administrative history of the region involves transitions through Prussian and later unified German governance, impacting the continuity of postal authority.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1945 – 1946
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- DEM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
Grossraschen stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Grossraschen Stamp Series
Local Issues (1945-1946)
Provisional issues created by the local postal authority in Grossraschen during the immediate post-WWII period, often using overprints on existing German stamps or locally produced designs.
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issuer:grossraschen.series.items.2.name (issuer:grossraschen.series.items.2.period)
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Grossraschen Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Grossraschen local issues varies significantly based on the specific overprint, stamp type, condition, and rarity. Unused stamps with original gum are generally more valuable. Forgeries and reprints exist, so expert authentication is often recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Grossraschen Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Grossraschen stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Grossraschen' overprints on German stamps, particularly those from the German Reich period.
- 2 Examine the overprint for specific typefaces and colors, as variations exist.
- 3 Check for local designs or emergency issues that may not be overprints but bear the town's name.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grossraschen stamps?
Grossraschen stamps are provisional local issues created in the town of Grossraschen (now part of Germany) during the immediate aftermath of World War II, specifically between 1945 and 1946. These were necessary due to the collapse of central postal services and often involved overprinting existing German stamps or creating new local designs.
Are Grossraschen stamps valuable?
The value of Grossraschen stamps can range from a few euros for common varieties to several hundred euros or more for rare overprints, specific errors, or well-preserved examples. Their value is highly dependent on factors like rarity, condition, and the specific type of overprint or local issue. Collectors specializing in German local issues often seek these stamps.
How can I identify Grossraschen stamps?
To identify Grossraschen stamps, look for the town's name, often as an overprint, on German stamps from the 1930s and early 1940s. Pay attention to the specific font, color, and placement of the overprint. Consulting a specialized catalog like Michel is crucial. For quick identification, you can use a stamp identifier app that can analyze images of your stamps.
Which catalogs list Grossraschen stamps?
Grossraschen stamps are primarily listed and cataloged in the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (Michel Germany Specialized Catalog), which provides detailed information on German local issues and occupation stamps. They are generally not listed in major international catalogs like Scott or Stanley Gibbons, as these focus on national issues.
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