German Reich India stamps AZAD HIND year 1943 unused lot

German Reich India stamps AZAD HIND year 1943 unused lot – MH (*) stamps

The Azad Hind stamps, produced in 1943 by the Reichsdruckerei in Berlin, were intended for the Provisional Government of Free India under Subhas Chandra Bose. Although never officially issued, these stamps have become notable collectibles due to their historical significance and rarity.

Overview of Azad Hind Stamps

• Design and Production: A total of ten different stamps were produced, featuring various themes such as a Sikh soldier, a farmer, and a nurse. They were printed using photogravure in sheets of 100.
• Catalogue Listings: These stamps are listed in the Michel Germany catalogue under “Nationales Indien” (National India) with designations I to X, available in both perforated and imperforated forms.
• Rarity and Forgeries: Certain high-denomination stamps, like the 1+2 rupees, are particularly rare and have been subject to forgeries. Authentic stamps were produced using photogravure, resulting in clear images, whereas forgeries often have unclear prints due to offset or inkjet printing.