Between 1948 and 1952, West Berlin issued several significant postage stamp series reflecting the city’s unique post-war political status. Below is an overview of notable stamp issues during this period:
1. 1948: “Buildings” Series (1948-1950)
- Issued: July 3, 1948
- Designs: Featured notable buildings in Berlin, such as:
- Brandenburg Gate
- Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
- Schloss Charlottenburg
- Denominations: 2 Pfennig to 1 Mark
- Notable Feature: Marked “BERLIN” to distinguish these from stamps used in West Germany.
2. 1949: “Opening of the Berlin Philharmonic”
- Issued: May 10, 1949
- Design: Celebrated the reopening of cultural life in Berlin post-WWII.
- Denomination: 10 Pfennig + 5 Pfennig surcharge.
3. 1949: “Berlin Bears” (Coat of Arms Series)
- Issued: September 1, 1949
- Design: Depicted Berlin’s coat of arms featuring the Berlin Bear.
- Denominations: 2 Pfennig to 1 Deutsche Mark.
- Significance: First definitive series showcasing Berlin’s emblem after WWII.
4. 1950: “125th Anniversary of the Death of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe”
- Issued: August 28, 1950
- Design: Portrait of Goethe.
- Denomination: 30 Pfennig.
5. 1951: “Freedom Bell” Series (Liberty Bell)
- Issued: 1951–1952
- Design: Depicted the “Freedom Bell” in Berlin’s Rathaus Schöneberg, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
- Denominations: Wide range from 5 Pfennig to 2 Deutsche Marks.
- Significance: A political statement during the Cold War, emphasizing the West’s commitment to Berlin’s freedom.
6. 1952: “Berlin Relief Fund”
- Issued: March 10, 1952
- Designs: Featuring symbolic images for Berlin’s reconstruction.
- Denominations: Varied, with surtaxes to fund rebuilding efforts.
Historical Context:
After WWII, Berlin was divided into four occupation sectors, but by 1948, West Berlin began issuing its own stamps due to the growing political divide between East and West. These stamps are distinct from East Germany (DDR) and West Germany (FRG) issues and played a role in establishing West Berlin’s identity.
