Hamburg Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Hamburg Stamps
Hamburg, a major city-state in Northern Germany, maintained a distinct postal administration despite its location on the European mainland. As a key member of the German Confederation and later the German Empire, its postal system operated independently until the unification of German postal services in 1871. Stamps from this period predominantly feature German text, often reflecting the city's status as a free and Hanseatic city. The transition to the unified German Reich marked the end of its separate postal history, integrating its services into the broader national framework.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Western Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1859 – 1867
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- Mark
- Parent issuer:
- German Confederation
Stamp Catalogs
Hamburg stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Hamburg Stamp Series
Hamburg Coat of Arms Issues (1859-1867)
The primary and only series of definitive stamps issued by Hamburg, featuring the city's coat of arms (a castle) with various denominations.
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Hamburg Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on denomination, color shade, condition (especially cancellations), and specific printings. Early issues and higher denominations are generally more valuable. Used stamps with clear, light cancellations are often preferred.
How to Identify Hamburg Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Hamburg stamps:
- 1 Look for the distinctive Hamburg coat of arms (castle design) as the central motif.
- 2 Stamps are inscribed with 'HAMBURG' at the top and 'POSTMARKE' at the bottom, with denominations in Schilling or Mark Courant.
- 3 Check for watermarks (often a 'key' or 'anchor' design) which can be crucial for identifying specific printings and varieties.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hamburg stamps?
Hamburg stamps are postage stamps issued by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, a major German city-state, between 1859 and 1867. These stamps were used for its independent postal service before the unification of German postal systems under the North German Confederation.
Are Hamburg stamps valuable?
Yes, many Hamburg stamps are valuable, especially those in good condition, higher denominations, or rare varieties. Common stamps can range from €10 to €100, while rare examples, particularly those with specific watermarks or cancellations, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros at auction.
How can I identify Hamburg stamps?
Hamburg stamps are easily identified by their central design featuring the city's coat of arms (a castle) and the inscription 'HAMBURG' at the top. Denominations are typically in Schilling or Mark Courant. For precise identification of varieties and watermarks, a philatelic catalog is essential, or you can use a stamp identifier app that can help analyze the stamp's features.
Which catalogs list Hamburg stamps?
Hamburg stamps are extensively listed in all major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (under German States), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (Germany and States). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, watermarks, and current market values.
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