Germany DDR stamps year 1987 – Anniversary of Berlin special postmarks MNH
In 1987, both East Germany (DDR) and West Germany celebrated the 750th Anniversary of Berlin. However, for the DDR, this was a massive propaganda event titled “750 Jahre Berlin,” emphasizing the city as the “Capital of the DDR.”
They released several major stamp issues throughout the year, many of which are famous for their high-quality special postmarks (Sonderstempel).
1. Major Stamp Releases
There were two primary commemorative sets and a souvenir sheet released specifically for the anniversary.
| Issue Date | Michel # | Description |
| May 19, 1987 | 3094–3099 | Berlin Landmarks (Series I): Features iconic sites like the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall), Nikolaikirche, and the Palast der Republik. |
| Aug 18, 1987 | 3122–3126 | Berlin Landmarks (Series II): Includes the Brandenburg Gate and the Television Tower (Fernsehturm). |
| May 19, 1987 | Block 88 | Souvenir Sheet: A large, beautiful block featuring a historical 17th-century map of Berlin (Merian-Plan) with a single 1.35 M stamp. |
2. Special Postmarks (Sonderstempel)
Because 1987 was a “Jubilee Year,” the DDR post office used hundreds of special cancellations. The most prized by collectors are:
- The Official “750 Jahre” Logo Mark: Features the anniversary logo—a stylized “750” that looks like a city gate or a ribbon.
- The “Historical Parade” Mark: Celebrates the massive parade held on July 4, 1987. These postmarks often depict historical figures or floats.
- District-Specific Marks: Berlin was divided into districts (Bezirke), and districts like Berlin-Mitte or Berlin-Pankow had their own specific anniversary cancellations showing local landmarks.
- First Day Postmarks: These are typically circular with the text “ERSTAUSGABE” (First Day of Issue) and the date (e.g., 19.05.1987) with a central illustration of the Red City Hall.
3. Philatelic Items to Look For
- Maximum Cards (Maximumkarten): These are postcards featuring the same image as the stamp, with the stamp placed on the front and cancelled with a matching special postmark.
- Numisbriefs: These are “Coin-Covers” that contain both the 1987 commemorative 5 Mark coin (depicting the Nikolaiviertel) and the 750th-anniversary stamps with a special cancellation.
- The “Merian” Block (Block 88): This is the most sought-after item. If you have it with a clean, centered special postmark from Berlin Zentrum, it is significantly more desirable than a mint version.
