Thuringen Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone) Stamps
Thuringia, or Thuringen, is a landlocked state located in central Germany, part of the European continent. Its postal history is deeply integrated with the broader German postal system, evolving through the German Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazi era, and subsequent division and reunification, though it briefly issued its own stamps as a collection of sovereign states before 1900. Stamps from this region predominantly feature the German language, reflecting its central European location. The administrative landscape of Thuringia has seen significant transitions, particularly following the establishment of the German Democratic Republic and its later incorporation into the unified Federal Republic of Germany.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1945 – 1946
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- RM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone) Stamp Series
Local Issues (Posthorn, Thuringen overprint) (1945)
Provisional local issues with 'Thuringen' overprints on German stamps, primarily featuring the Posthorn design, used during the immediate post-war period.
Thuringen Coat of Arms (1945-1946)
Definitive issues featuring the Thuringian coat of arms, printed locally to meet postal needs before unified issues for the Soviet Occupation Zone.
Personalities and Monuments (1946)
A series depicting local personalities and significant monuments, reflecting the cultural identity of Thuringia during this transitional period.
Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common stamps are inexpensive, especially used. Mint never hinged examples and certain varieties (e.g., specific overprint types, errors, or early printings) can command significantly higher prices. Complete sets are more valuable than individual stamps.
How to Identify Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Thuringen' or 'Thüringen' overprints on German stamps, especially the Posthorn series.
- 2 Examine the designs featuring the Thuringian coat of arms or local personalities/monuments.
- 3 Check for watermarks (often 'Waffle' or 'Crosses and Rings') and perforation details, as these can distinguish issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Thuringen stamps?
Thuringen stamps refer to the provisional postal issues released in the German state of Thuringia during the immediate post-World War II period, specifically from 1945 to 1946, under Soviet occupation. These stamps were issued to restore postal services before unified issues for the Soviet Occupation Zone became available.
Are Thuringen stamps valuable?
The value of Thuringen stamps varies. Common used stamps are generally inexpensive, often ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, mint never hinged examples, specific overprint varieties, errors, and complete sets can be quite valuable, potentially fetching €50 to over €500, depending on rarity and condition.
How can I identify Thuringen stamps?
To identify Thuringen stamps, look for the 'Thuringen' or 'Thüringen' overprint on existing German stamps (like the Posthorn series) or designs featuring the Thuringian coat of arms or local figures. Pay attention to the watermark, perforation, and printing details. For precise identification and valuation, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list Thuringen stamps?
Thuringen stamps are comprehensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. The Michel catalog (Germany Spezial) provides detailed listings, varieties, and valuations. Scott and Stanley Gibbons also include these issues, though often with less detail than Michel.
Not sure if your stamp is from Thuringen (Soviet Occupation Zone)?
Identify it instantly with our iPhone app
Download on App Store