Postage Stamps of the Free City of Danzig (1920 – 1939)

The Free City of Danzig (Freie Stadt Danzig) was a semi-autonomous city-state under the League of Nations from 1920 to 1939. During this period, it issued its own postage stamps, separate from Germany and Poland.

First Danzig Stamps (1920)

  • After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles (1919) separated Danzig from Germany, creating the Free City.
  • On June 14, 1920, the first Danzig stamps were issued by overprinting German stamps with “Danzig” and new values.
  • These overprinted stamps were used temporarily until original designs were introduced.

Key Stamp Issues

  1. 1921-1924: Definitive Issues

    • Featuring Danzig landmarks, city arms, and maritime themes.
    • Early designs included the Coat of Arms of Danzig (two crosses and a crown).

  2. 1923-1924: Inflation Issues

    • Due to Germany’s hyperinflation, Danzig issued high-value surcharged stamps.
    • Some earlier stamps were overprinted with new inflated values.

  3. 1924-1939: Regular Postal Issues

    • Depicted famous Danzig buildings, ships, and historical symbols.
    • Various series featured the city’s harbor, town hall, and Neptune Fountain.
    • 1937: Introduction of semi-postal charity stamps.

  4. Airmail Stamps (1921-1937)

    • Special stamps for airmail services, often featuring aircraft or city views.
    • Early issues were overprints on German airmail stamps.

  5. Charity and Commemorative Issues (1930s)

    • Included designs celebrating Danzig’s history, culture, and sports events.
    • Some stamps were sold at a premium to support local charities.

End of Danzig’s Postal System (1939)

  • On September 1, 1939, Germany annexed Danzig at the start of World War II.
  • Danzig’s postal system was absorbed into the German Reichspost, ending independent stamp production.
  • Existing Danzig stamps were used briefly before being replaced by German stamps.