Saar Stamps
The Saarland, located in Western Europe bordering France and Germany, experienced a unique postal history primarily influenced by its contested status following World War I and World War II. The region operated under a League of Nations mandate and later as a French protectorate, leading to distinct stamp issues that often reflected French administrative control, sometimes featuring French language alongside German.
- Issued stamps
- 1947–1956
- Region
- Europe, Western Europe
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- German, French
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Germany
About Saar stamps
Following a brief period of full autonomy, Saarland was integrated into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957, marking the end of its separate postal entity and the transition to Deutsche Bundespost issues.
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.
- SAAR
- SAARLAND
How to identify Saar stamps
- Look for 'SAAR' or 'SAARLAND' inscriptions. Early issues may be German stamps overprinted 'SAAR'.
- Check for French currency denominations (Francs) on later issues, indicating the period of French administration.
- Note the specific designs, which often feature local landmarks, historical figures, or the Saarland coat of arms.
Popular series
-
Saarland Coat of Arms
1947-1949
The first definitive series for the Saarland, featuring the region's coat of arms, often overprinted on German stamps or new designs.
-
Famous Saarlanders
1950-1955
A series of commemorative stamps honoring notable figures from the Saar region, reflecting its cultural identity.
-
Saar Plebiscite
1955
Commemorative issues related to the referendum on the Saarland's future status, a pivotal moment in its history.
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
- €0.50–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Common Saar stamps are generally affordable. Rarities include early issues with specific overprints, plate varieties, and high-value definitives, especially in mint condition or on cover. The 1947-1948 issues and certain commemorative sets can command higher prices.
Catalogs. Saar 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 Saar stamps
Saar stamps are postage stamps issued by the Saar region, a territory in Western Europe bordering France and Germany, during its periods of autonomous or semi-autonomous status, primarily from 1947 to 1956. Its postal history is distinct due to its post-war political status.
The value of Saar stamps varies. Many common issues are inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, certain early overprints, specific commemorative sets, plate varieties, and high-denomination stamps, especially in mint condition or on original covers, can be quite valuable, reaching €50 to over €500.
To identify Saar stamps, look for the inscription 'SAAR' or 'SAARLAND'. Early issues might be German stamps with a 'SAAR' overprint. Later stamps often feature French currency denominations. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Saar stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (Germany Specialized), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others.
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