Upper Silesia Stamps
Upper Silesia is a historical region situated in Central Europe, primarily within modern-day Poland and Germany. Its postal history is complex, marked by periods under Prussian, German, and later Polish administration, particularly following the Silesian Uprisings and the 1921 partition plebiscite.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1923
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- PLN
- Languages
- German, Polish
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Upper Silesia stamps
Stamps issued during its brief period as an autonomous entity often featured German or Polish inscriptions, reflecting the contested linguistic and political environment. The region's postal administration transitioned significantly after the post-World War II incorporation into Poland, leading to the adoption of Polish postal regulations and currency.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Upper Silesia stamps
- Look for overprints such as 'Plebiszit Oberschlesien' (German) or 'Górny Śląsk' (Polish) on German or sometimes Polish stamps.
- Identify the base stamp (e.g., German Germania series, or specific Polish issues) upon which the overprint is applied.
- Note the specific year of issue, as the period of Upper Silesian postal autonomy was very brief (1920-1923).
Popular series
-
Plebiscite Issues
1920-1921
Stamps overprinted with 'Plebiszit Oberschlesien' or 'Górny Śląsk' for the plebiscite administration, often on German stamps.
-
Definitives of the Inter-Allied Commission
1920-1922
Stamps issued under the authority of the Inter-Allied Governing and Plebiscite Commission, often featuring local motifs or overprints.
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
- €1–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
The value of Upper Silesian stamps varies significantly based on the specific overprint, base stamp, condition, and rarity of errors or varieties. Plebiscite issues, especially those with rare overprints or on specific German issues, can be quite valuable. Used stamps are often less valuable than unused, unless they bear rare cancellations.
Catalogs. Upper Silesia 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 Upper Silesia stamps
Upper Silesia stamps refer to postage stamps issued during the brief period of autonomous administration in the historical region of Upper Silesia, primarily between 1920 and 1923. These stamps were often German or Polish issues overprinted with inscriptions related to the plebiscite or the Inter-Allied Commission, reflecting the region's contested status.
Some Upper Silesia stamps can be quite valuable, particularly rare overprints, specific varieties, or stamps in pristine condition. Common issues might be worth a few euros, while rare plebiscite overprints or errors can fetch hundreds of euros. Value depends heavily on the specific issue, condition, and cancellation.
To identify Upper Silesia stamps, look for overprints like 'Plebiszit Oberschlesien' or 'Górny Śląsk' on German or Polish base stamps. Pay attention to the specific wording, font, and color of the overprint, as well as the underlying stamp design. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Upper Silesia stamps are well-documented in major international stamp catalogs. You can find comprehensive listings in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (for German issues and overprints), and the Stanley Gibbons Europe & Colonies catalogue.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.