North German Postal District year 1868 Rouletted Used Stamps
The North German Postal District (Norddeutscher Postbezirk) was a postal union that existed from 1868 to 1871 before the unification of Germany. It issued its own postage stamps during this brief period. Here are some key details about the North German Postal District stamps:
Design:
- Featured a large numeral in the center indicating the denomination value
- Inscribed “NORDDEUTSCHER POSTBEZIRK” at the top
- Showed the currency “GROSCHEN” or “THALER” at the bottom
- Simple design with the coat of arms for Prussia on most values
Issues:
- First set issued in 1868 with 17 different denominations ranging from 1/4 groschen to 2 thaler
- Additional values added in 1869 including high values like 5 and 7-1/2 thaler
- Printed in various colors like rose, blue, green and bistre brown
Rarity:
- Most lower value stamps are relatively affordable
- The high denomination 5 and 7-1/2 thaler stamps are quite rare and valuable
Historical Context:
- Issued after Prussia took over administration of postal services in northern Germany
- Replaced the stamps of individual German states in this region
- Discontinued in 1872 after the establishment of the German Empire and its new postal system
The North German stamps served as a transitional issue unifying the postal systems in the lead-up to the formal unification of Germany under Prussian leadership in 1871. They represent an important stepping stone in the complex evolution of Germany’s postal history.
