DDR year 1961 stamps The Pioneer Event in Erfurt set MNH
📮 Pioniertreffen in Erfurt 1961 — DDR Stamp Set
In 1961 the German Democratic Republic (DDR) issued a set of commemorative stamps honoring the Pioneer Meeting (Pioniertreffen) held in Erfurt. These were released together on 25 May 1961 as part of the DDR’s program of youth and cultural-themed issues.
📦 Stamp Details (Michel catalogue 827–829)
East German stamps from this issue include three main values:
- Mi 827 — 10 + 5 Pfennig
Depicts young pioneers playing volleyball and the Pioneer emblem.
Motto on stamp: IV. Pioniertreffen in Erfurt 1961 - Mi 828 — 20 + 10 Pfennig
Shows dancing young pioneers in traditional folk costume plus the Pioneer emblem.
Motto: IV. Pioniertreffen in Erfurt 1961 - Mi 829 — 25 + 10 Pfennig
Depicts young pioneers building a model airplane, symbolizing creativity and cooperation, alongside the Pioneer emblem.
Motto: IV. Pioniertreffen in Erfurt 1961
The “+” in the denomination (e.g., 25 + 10) indicates that part of the surcharge (the second number) was typically earmarked for a charitable or youth organization purpose, a common practice in semi-postal stamps used to support Pioneer youth activities.
🗓 Issue and Theme
- Date issued: 25 May 1961 (all three values)
- Theme: Commemoration of the IV. Pioniertreffen (4th Pioneer Meeting) held in Erfurt — a major gathering of the FDJ/Young Pioneer youth organization celebrating socialist youth culture, sports, and collective activities.
- Design: All stamps were designed for the same event, featuring children involved in physical activities (sports, workshops, traditional dance) emphasizing unity, creativity, and socialist youth ideals.
