German Weimar Republic stamps year 1923 Rhein-Ruhr set – MNH
In 1923, during the Weimar Republic era, Germany issued a series of semi-postal stamps known as the “Rhein-Ruhr-Hilfe” (Rhine-Ruhr Assistance) set. These stamps were created to support the relief efforts for the Rhine and Ruhr regions, which were under occupation by French and Belgian forces following World War I. The set consists of three stamps, each featuring an overprint on previously issued designs:
- 5 Mark stamp: Overprinted with “100 M” and “Rhein=Ruhr=Hilfe” in black. The original design depicts a miner.
- 25 Mark stamp: Overprinted with “500 M” and “Rhein=Ruhr=Hilfe” in black. The original design portrays a farmer.
- 20 Mark stamp: Overprinted with “1000 M” and “Rhein=Ruhr=Hilfe” in black. The original design features a blacksmith.
These stamps were issued on February 19, 1923, and are catalogued as Michel numbers 258 to 260. They were produced with a waffle (network) watermark and have a perforation of K14. The overprints served both to increase the face value of the stamps, reflecting the hyperinflation of the period, and to raise funds for the assistance program.
Due to the historical context and limited issuance, the Rhein-Ruhr-Hilfe stamps are considered valuable among philatelists, especially when found in good condition or as part of a complete set. Collectors often seek these stamps not only for their monetary value but also for their significance in representing the economic and political challenges of post-war Germany.
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