North German Postal District Stamps
The North German Postal District, or Norddeutscher Postbezirk, was a significant administrative entity in Central Europe during the mid-19th century, primarily encompassing the territories of the North German Confederation. Its postal history is crucial as it represents a major step toward German unification, preceding the establishment of the German Empire in 1871.
- Issued stamps
- 1868–1869
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- North German Thaler
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
History and background
Stamps issued by this district predominantly feature the German language and often display the insignia of the North German Confederation. The postal system was eventually absorbed into the unified German Reichspost, marking a key transition in the region's philatelic and political landscape.
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.
- NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK
- NORDDEUTSCHER POST-BEZIRK
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK' or 'NORDDEUTSCHER POST-BEZIRK' at the top or bottom.
- Stamps typically feature large numerals as the central design element, indicating the denomination.
- Denominations are expressed in Groschen (Gr.) or Silbergroschen (Sgr.) for the northern states, and Kreuzer (Kr.) for the southern states within the district.
- Examine the watermarks, which can include 'Kreuzer' or 'Groschen' depending on the currency area.
Popular series
-
Numeral Issue
1868-1869
The primary and only definitive issue, featuring large numerals indicating the denomination, often within an oval or circular frame, printed on white paper.
-
Official Stamps
1869
Stamps overprinted 'Frei' (Free) for official use, primarily by government departments.
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
- €100–€5,000+
Values vary significantly based on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties (e.g., paper types, perforations, plate flaws). Mint condition and rare cancellations command higher prices. The 1/4 Groschen and 1/2 Groschen values are generally more common.
Catalogs. North German Postal District 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 North German Postal District stamps
North German Postal District stamps were issued by the Norddeutscher Postbezirk, a postal administration that served the North German Confederation from 1868 to 1869. These stamps represent a crucial step towards German postal unification before the establishment of the German Empire.
Some North German Postal District stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare denominations, specific plate varieties, or stamps in pristine condition with desirable cancellations. Common stamps might range from €5-€50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Factors like condition, rarity, and demand significantly influence their market value.
You can identify North German Postal District stamps by looking for the inscription 'NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK' and their characteristic numeral designs. Denominations are typically in Groschen or Kreuzer. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
North German Postal District stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (under German States or Germany), the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (under German States).
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