Lübeck Stamps
Lübeck, a historic city-state located in Northern Germany on the Baltic Sea coast, operated as a sovereign entity with its own postal administration until its integration into the North German Confederation. As a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, its postal history reflects its status as a major trading hub in Northern Europe.
- Issued stamps
- 1859–1865
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- Lübeck Courant Mark
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- North German Confederation
About Lübeck stamps
Stamps issued by Lübeck primarily feature German language inscriptions, often alongside its distinctive coat of arms. The city's independent postal service ceased operations following the unification of Germany in 1871, at which point its postal system was absorbed into the German Reichspost.
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.
- LÜBECK
How to identify Lübeck stamps
- Look for the inscription 'LÜBECK' at the top of the stamp.
- Identify the distinctive double-headed eagle coat of arms of Lübeck.
- Check for denominations in 'Schilling' or 'Mark'.
- Note the characteristic typography and often simple, yet elegant, designs.
Popular series
-
First Issue
1859
The inaugural stamp issue of Lübeck, featuring the city's coat of arms and various denominations.
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Later Issues
1861-1863
Subsequent issues with similar designs, often distinguished by paper, watermark, or perforation variations.
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
- €10–€100
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€5,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, specific issue (e.g., paper type, perforation), and cancellation. Unused stamps are generally more valuable than used ones. Rarities exist, especially for specific shades or errors.
Catalogs. Lübeck 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 Lübeck stamps
Lübeck stamps are postage stamps issued by the independent city-state of Lübeck, a prominent member of the Hanseatic League in Northern Germany, between 1859 and 1865. They represent the postal history of this important trading hub before its integration into the North German Confederation.
Yes, many Lübeck stamps are considered valuable, especially those in fine condition, unused examples, or specific rare varieties. Common used stamps can range from €10-€100, while rare issues, errors, or exceptional examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros at auction.
You can identify Lübeck stamps by looking for the prominent 'LÜBECK' inscription, the city's distinctive double-headed eagle coat of arms, and denominations in 'Schilling' or 'Mark'. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Lübeck stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (USA), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (UK). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated market values.
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