Germany 1905 Germania – 20pfg violet blue stamp with watermark
The Germania stamps are a well-known series issued by the German Empire starting in 1900 and continuing until the early 1920s. These stamps featured the allegorical figure of Germania, a personification of the German nation. The series is significant due to its long duration, spanning key historical periods, including World War I and the transition from monarchy to the Weimar Republic.
Key Features of the 1905 Germania Stamps:
- Design:
- The stamps show an image of Germania wearing a helmet adorned with an imperial crown or an oak leaf wreath.
- The design symbolizes the strength and unity of the German Empire.
- Engraved with intricate detailing, the stamps had various color combinations.
- Values and Denominations:
- The stamps came in a variety of denominations, ranging from 2 Pfennig to higher values like 5 Marks.
- The higher denominations (like 5 Marks) were often used for important documents and large-scale mailing.
- Watermarks:
- Many stamps from this era featured watermarks to prevent counterfeiting.
- The 1905 stamps generally had the Lozenge (diamond-shaped) watermark.
- Perforations:
- The perforations varied depending on the specific printing but were generally standard for the time, making them easier to tear apart.
- Usage:
- These stamps were widely used across the German Empire and its colonies.
- As the stamps were issued over several years, they witnessed changes in overprints, particularly during and after World War I.
The Germania series is highly collectible today due to its historical significance and the variations in design, color, watermark, and perforation across different years.
