German Empire 1905 Keiser Wilhelm II – invert error 5 German Reichsmark
This stamp had been originally issued in 1905. The motif on the stamp is Kaiser Wilhelm II giving a 25th German Empire’s anniversary speech in 1896. Because of their high face value (5 Marks), stamps were printed in sheets of 20. Stamps with this design were printed all the way to 1918.
The inversion error we can see above happened during World War I. Inversion errors are almost always the consequence of printing “bicolor” stamps in two passes. In the first pass, the frame would be printed on one machine, and in the second pass, the motif would be added on the second machine. In case, you’ve inverted the paper before the second pass, you’ll get an error and nice valuable stamps.
For rare stamps, it’s always hard to exactly estimate how many of them are still alive because some may not have been discovered or their owners don’t want us to know. Still, from what we know, some 20 to 30 of these stamps are still out there.
And what about their price? If you own one, congrats. This tiny piece of paper is worth around 34.000 Euro.
The Kaiser Wilhelm II stamp with an invert error is one of the notable philatelic errors from the German Empire. Here’s an overview of its significance, history, and characteristics:
Overview
Historical Context
- Kaiser Wilhelm II: Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918. Stamps featuring his portrait were common during his reign, reflecting Germany’s imperial era.
- German Empire Stamps: During Wilhelm II’s reign, the German Empire issued various stamps, some of which have become highly collectible due to their historical significance and rare printing errors.
The Invert Error
Description
- Invert Error: An invert error occurs when a stamp’s design or a part of it is printed upside down relative to the rest of the stamp. This is usually due to a printing mistake.
- Kaiser Wilhelm II Stamp: The specific Kaiser Wilhelm II invert error typically involves the portrait of the Kaiser being printed upside down.
Characteristics
- Design: The stamp usually features a portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm II, surrounded by intricate designs and often accompanied by inscriptions such as the denomination and “Deutsches Reich” (German Empire).
- Error: In the case of the invert error, the central portrait of Wilhelm II is inverted while the rest of the stamp remains correctly oriented.
Rarity and Value
Collectibility
- Rarity: Stamps with invert errors are among the most sought-after by collectors due to their scarcity. The rarity of the Kaiser Wilhelm II invert error adds to its allure.
- Condition: The value of these stamps depends significantly on their condition. Mint condition stamps or those with minimal flaws are particularly valuable.
Auction Prices
- Value: The value of a Kaiser Wilhelm II invert error stamp can vary widely, but such errors can fetch high prices at auction, often reaching thousands of euros or dollars depending on the specific error, condition, and provenance.
Notable Examples
- Inverted Center Errors: While the exact number of Kaiser Wilhelm II invert errors is not widely documented, such errors are generally rare. Collectors and philatelic experts closely monitor these stamps, making them prized items in auctions and private collections.
Conclusion
The Kaiser Wilhelm II invert error stamp is a fascinating piece of philatelic history from the German Empire. Its rarity and the historical significance of the era make it a highly valued item among collectors. Understanding the context and characteristics of such errors adds to the appreciation of these unique stamps. If you possess or are interested in acquiring one, consulting a philatelic expert or auction house specializing in rare stamps would be advisable to obtain an accurate valuation.