Germany Weimar Republic stamps year 1921 80 Pf / 10×10

Germany Weimar Republic stamps year 1921 80 Pf / 10×10 Michel 166 MNH

In 1921, the Weimar Republic issued three distinct stamps with an 80 Pfennig denomination. Depending on the design, your stamp could be a common definitive or a more specialized part of a “Workers” set.

Here is how to identify which one you have:

1. The “Germania” Issue (Red)

This is the most common 80 Pf stamp. It features the iconic figure of Germania wearing a crown and holding a sword.

• Color: Carmine (Red)
• Michel Number: Mi. 149
• Scott Number: Scott 145
• Note: This was part of the long-running Germania series, which was nearing its end in 1921. It is very common in both mint and used conditions.

2. The “Blacksmith” / Workers Issue (Ultramarine)

This stamp features a stylized engraving of two blacksmiths at an anvil. It was part of a new “Workers” definitive series intended to represent the new Republic.

• Color: Dark Ultramarine (Deep Blue)
• Michel Number: Mi. 186
• Scott Number: Scott 171
• Watermark Check:
  • 1921 Version: Watermarked with Lozenges (Diamonds).
  • 1922 Version: Watermarked with a Network (Wavy lines/waffle pattern).
• Value: Generally worth $1.00 – $3.00 used, though high-quality mint copies or specific watermark/paper varieties can reach $10.00+.

3. The “Posthorn” Issue (Bi-colored)

This smaller, square stamp features a central numeral “80” surrounded by posthorns.

• Color: Often found in bi-colored combinations like black/carmine or similar variations.
• Michel Number: Mi. 166 (specifically for the 80 Pf value in this style).
• Historical Context: These were produced to keep up with the creeping inflation that would eventually explode into hyperinflation by 1923.

Important: The 1923 Overprints

Because of the hyperinflation that followed, you might have an 80 Pf stamp that has been overprinted with a new, much higher value (e.g., “800 Tausend” or “2 Milliarden”).

• If your stamp has a Black Overprint on top of the 80 Pf design, the original 80 Pf value is ignored, and the stamp is valued based on the overprint denomination.
• Example: Michel #302 is an “800 Tausend” overprint on a green 10 Pf stamp, but similar overprints exist on many 1921/22 base stamps.