Hamburg Stamps
Hamburg, a major city-state in Northern Germany, operated as a sovereign entity with its own postal administration until its incorporation into the German Empire. As a prominent Hanseatic League member, its postal history reflects its status as a vital European trading hub, issuing stamps independently until 1871.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- Hamburg Mark
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Hamburg stamps
Stamps from this period predominantly feature German language inscriptions, often reflecting its maritime importance. Following unification, Hamburg's postal system was absorbed into the North German Confederation's postal service, marking a significant administrative transition.
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.
- HAMBURG
- POSTMARKE
How to identify Hamburg stamps
- Look for the inscription 'HAMBURG' and 'POSTMARKE'.
- Examine the central design, which typically features the Hamburg coat of arms (a castle with three towers).
- Note the denomination in 'Schilling' or 'Mark' currency.
Popular series
-
Hamburg Coat of Arms Issues
1859-1867
The definitive issues featuring the city's coat of arms, often depicting a castle with three towers.
-
Hamburg Postal Service Issues
1861-1867
Stamps specifically inscribed 'HAMBURG' and 'POSTMARKE', representing the independent postal administration.
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
- €500–€5,000+
Early Hamburg stamps, especially those with good condition, clear cancellations, or rare shades/papers, can be quite valuable. The first issues are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. Hamburg 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 Hamburg stamps
Hamburg stamps are postage stamps issued by the independent city-state of Hamburg, a major trading hub in Northern Germany, from 1859 until its postal system was absorbed into the North German Confederation in 1868. These stamps reflect Hamburg's sovereign status and its significant role in European commerce.
Yes, many Hamburg stamps can be quite valuable, especially the early issues, rare denominations, specific printings, or those in excellent condition with clear cancellations. Common examples might range from €5-€50, while rare varieties or high-grade examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
To identify Hamburg stamps, look for the prominent inscription 'HAMBURG' and 'POSTMARKE'. The central design almost always features the city's coat of arms, a castle with three towers. Denominations are typically in 'Schilling' or 'Mark'. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Hamburg stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (often under German States or Germany).
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