German Offices – Turkey stamps year 1884/1908 – Used
The period from 1884 to 1908 covers several distinct and important issues. These stamps are essentially regular German stamps that were surcharged (overprinted) with their value in local Turkish currency (Paras and Piastres) to be used at German post offices in cities like Constantinople, Smyrna, and Jerusalem.
Here is a breakdown of the key issues in this time frame and their general value characteristics:
🇩🇪 German Offices in Turkey (1884–1908)
1. The 1884 Surcharges (Scott #1-5)
- Base Stamp: Uses the German Reichspost stamps featuring the Imperial Eagle and Shield design (the 1880 Pfennig issues).
- Surcharge: These stamps were surcharged at the bottom with the new Turkish currency value (e.g., 10 P. a. on 5 Pf.).
- Value: This is the first distinct series and contains a few key issues. In Used (Cancelled) condition, many of the low values are relatively affordable (under $10-$20 USD). However, the higher values and rare varieties can be significantly more.
- One rare example: A complete set (Scott #1-5) might have a catalogue value around $550 USD MNH, but individual common used stamps are much less.
2. The 1889 Surcharges (Scott #6-16)
- Base Stamp: Uses later definitive issues of the German Empire.
- Surcharge: Similar piastre/para overprints.
3. The 1900-1905 Issues (Scott #22-42)
- Base Stamp: These stamps introduce the popular “Germania” definitive design (a female allegorical figure).
- Surcharge: Overprinted with values in Piastres and Paras.
- Value: This is a large set, and most of the lower-to-medium values in the Mint Never Hinged (MNH) or Used condition are quite common and can often be found for under $5-$10 USD each. Higher Piastre values (e.g., the 15 Piastres on 3 Mark) command much higher prices, often $50 – $150+ USD in MNH condition.
4. The 1908 French Currency Surcharges
- Change in Currency: In 1908, the German Offices briefly switched to surcharging their stamps in French Centimes for use in certain areas. These feature a diagonal red or black surcharge (e.g., 1 Piastre).
- Value: These are also very popular and range widely in value depending on the base stamp and the specific surcharge variety.
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