Bavarian Postage Stamps (1849 – 1920)

Bavaria (Bayern) was the first German state to issue its own postage stamps and continued to do so until 1920, when it joined the German Reichspost. Here’s an overview of Bavarian stamp history during this period:

First Bavarian Stamps (1849)

  • Issued on November 1, 1849, Bavaria was the first German state to introduce postage stamps.
  • The first stamp was the 1-Kreuzer black (“Schwarzer Einser”), featuring a simple numeral design.
  • Early denominations included 1, 3, and 6 Kreuzer, printed on handmade paper and imperforate.

Later Issues & Design Evolution

  • 1850s-1860s: Additional values were introduced, including 9, 12, and 18 Kreuzer.
  • 1862: Introduction of new designs with updated numeral formats.
  • 1870: First stamps featuring King Ludwig II (portrait issue).
  • 1876: Currency changed from Kreuzer to Pfennig (following Germany’s monetary unification).
  • 1881-1911: More definitive issues with portraits of King Ludwig II and later King Ludwig III.

20th Century Bavarian Stamps

  • 1911-1918: New designs with King Ludwig III and Coat of Arms.
  • 1919: Stamps issued for the Bavarian Republic after the monarchy was abolished.
  • 1920: Bavaria ceased issuing its own stamps and adopted those of Germany’s Reichspost.

Notable Bavarian Stamps

  1. 1849 “Schwarzer Einser” – Highly valuable among collectors.
  2. King Ludwig II Issues (1870s-1880s) – A favorite among classic stamp enthusiasts.
  3. Bavarian Air Mail Stamps (1912) – Among the world’s first airmail stamps.
  4. 1919 Overprinted Stamps – Issued during the Bavarian Republic period.

Collectibility & Value

  • Early issues, especially the Schwarzer Einser (1-Kreuzer black), are rare and highly prized.
  • Postmarks from smaller Bavarian towns can increase a stamp’s value.
  • Bavaria’s later issues are affordable and popular among collectors.