Germany / Oldenburg 1852/55 year Unused set

Germany / Oldenburg 1852/55 year ☀ Unused set Mi.-No. 1-5

During the period of 1852 to 1855, the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, which was a sovereign state in the northwest of present-day Germany, issued its first postage stamps. These stamps are known among collectors as the “Oldenburg stamps” and are among the earliest postage stamps issued in what is now Germany. Here are some key points about the Oldenburg stamps:

1. Introduction of Stamps: The Grand Duchy of Oldenburg introduced its first postage stamps on January 1, 1852. These stamps were part of a wider movement in Europe to reform postal systems and streamline the process of sending mail.
2. Design: The Oldenburg stamps featured a simple design, with the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg as the central motif. The early emissions had a single color and were printed using typography or engraving techniques.
3. Denominations: The stamps were issued in various denominations to accommodate different postal rates. Common denominations included 1/3, 1, 2, and 3 groschen, reflecting the currency system of the time.
4. Usage: The Oldenburg stamps were used for postage within the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg and for mail sent to other destinations, both domestically and internationally.
5. Varieties: Over the years, several varieties and reprints of the Oldenburg stamps were issued, including different perforation types and paper types. Collectors often seek out these variations for their philatelic value.
6. Discontinuation: The Oldenburg stamps were in use until 1867 when the North German Confederation established a uniform postal system across its territories, including Oldenburg. The stamps of the North German Confederation then replaced the Oldenburg stamps.

The Oldenburg stamps are now highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance as early examples of postage stamps issued in Germany. They provide insights into the postal history and administration of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg during the mid-19th century.