Wittenberg Lutherstadt Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Wittenberg Lutherstadt Stamps
Wittenberg, now known as Lutherstadt Wittenberg, is a historic city located in the modern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, central Europe. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with the broader German postal system, particularly during the periods of the North German Confederation and the German Empire, though it did not issue stamps independently. The language predominantly featured on its postal history materials is German, reflecting its place within the German linguistic sphere. The city's significance stems from its role as the epicenter of the Protestant Reformation, which profoundly impacted the administrative and cultural landscape of the region.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1945 – 1946
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- RM
- Parent issuer:
- Germany
Stamp Catalogs
Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Wittenberg Lutherstadt Stamp Series
Local Issues (1945) (1945)
Provisional issues created due to the breakdown of postal services after World War II, often overprinting existing German stamps or using locally produced designs.
Overprints on Hitler Head Stamps (1945)
Commonly, stamps of the Third Reich featuring Hitler's portrait were overprinted with new values or local inscriptions to demonetize them and serve immediate postal needs.
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Wittenberg Lutherstadt Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Wittenberg Lutherstadt local issues varies significantly based on condition, specific overprint, and rarity of the underlying stamp. Unused examples and those with clear postmarks tend to fetch higher prices. Forgeries and unofficial issues are also prevalent, requiring careful authentication.
How to Identify Wittenberg Lutherstadt Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Wittenberg' or 'Lutherstadt' overprints, often in black ink, on German stamps from the 1930s and early 1940s.
- 2 Examine the underlying stamp for pre-1945 German designs, particularly the 'Hitler Head' series or definitive issues of the Third Reich.
- 3 Pay attention to the type and clarity of the overprint, as many local issues had crude or hand-stamped applications.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps?
Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps are local provisional issues released in the city of Wittenberg (now Lutherstadt Wittenberg) in Germany immediately after World War II (1945-1946). These stamps were created to maintain postal services amidst the collapse of the central German postal system, often by overprinting existing German stamps with new values or local inscriptions.
Are Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps valuable?
The value of Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps can range from a few euros for common varieties to several hundred euros for rare errors, specific overprint types, or well-preserved examples. Their value is highly dependent on factors like condition, the specific overprint, the underlying stamp, and whether they are genuinely postally used. Collectors should be aware of numerous forgeries.
How can I identify Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps?
To identify Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps, look for overprints containing 'Wittenberg' or 'Lutherstadt' on German stamps issued prior to 1945, especially those from the Third Reich period. These overprints were typically applied locally. Using a stamp identifier app can help verify the specific issue and differentiate it from other German local issues or forgeries.
Which catalogs list Wittenberg Lutherstadt stamps?
Wittenberg Lutherstadt local issues are primarily listed in specialized German stamp catalogs, most notably the Michel catalog (specifically the Germany specialized volumes). Scott catalogs may include some of the more recognized local issues under the broader German listings, but Michel provides more comprehensive detail for these provisional stamps.
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