Germany Weimar Republic year 1921 10m postage stamps
In 1921, the German Weimar Republic issued several postage stamps with a 10 Mark (10m) denomination. This year was a transitional period; while inflation was rising, it had not yet reached the “hyperinflation” levels of late 1923, when values jumped to millions and billions.
The “10m” stamps from 1921 generally fall into two categories: Overprints on older designs and New Definitive designs.
1. The “Numerals” Definitive Issue (1921)
The most common 10m stamp issued in 1921 is part of the “Numerals of Value” series.
- Design: A large central number “10” with “Deutsches Reich” inscribed.
- Color: Carmine-rose or Reddish-orange.
- Printing: These were engraved, unlike many lower denominations of the time which were typography-printed.
- Watermark: Look for the Lozenges (diamond pattern) watermark, which was standard for 1921. Later versions in 1922-23 used the “Network” watermark.
2. The Germania Overprint (August 1921)
Because the value of the Mark was falling, the postal service took existing stocks of the “Germania” stamps (featuring the personification of Germany) and overprinted them with higher values.
- Base Stamp: A 75-pfennig lilac “Germania” stamp.
- Overprint: Black text reading “10 M.” (or sometimes “10 Mark”).
- Significance: This was a quick fix to keep up with changing postal rates without having to design and engrave new plates.
3. Key Identification Details
If you are looking at these for a collection, pay attention to these technical markers: | Feature | Details | | :— | :— | | Catalog Number | Scott #154 (Numeral) or Michel #157 (Overprint). | | Watermark | Mostly Lozenges (diamonds) for the 1921 issues. | | Perforation | Typically Perf 14. | | Value | Most used/common 1921 10m stamps are relatively affordable (often $1–$10), but specific errors or rare cancellations can increase value. |
Important Distinction: “10m” vs. “10 Millionen”
It is easy to confuse the 10 Mark (10m) stamp of 1921 with the 10 Million Mark (10 Millionen) stamp.
- 1921: 10 Marks was a high but standard rate for heavy letters or parcels.
- 1923: 10 Million Marks was a common “hyperinflation” rate. If your stamp says “10 Millionen” or has a “10 Million” overprint, it is actually from October 1923, not 1921.
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