West Germany / BRD stamps 1956 Year set MNH
In 1956, the Federal Republic of Germany (BRD – Bundesrepublik Deutschland), commonly known as West Germany, issued a variety of stamps reflecting the cultural, historical, and political landscape of the time. Here are some key stamp issues from that year:
West Germany / BRD Stamps 1956
Famous Germans Series:
- Date of Issue: Throughout the year
- Description: The Famous Germans series continued in 1956, honoring notable figures from German history, arts, and sciences. The stamps typically featured portraits of the individuals alongside symbols or scenes representing their achievements.
- Notable Figures: The series may have included stamps honoring figures such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Ludwig van Beethoven, and others.
- Significance: These stamps celebrated the cultural and intellectual contributions of famous Germans, highlighting their lasting impact on society.
Relief Fund Issue:
- Date of Issue: January 2, 1956
- Description: This series consisted of stamps issued to raise funds for charitable purposes or to support specific relief efforts. The stamps often featured designs related to the cause they were supporting.
- Denominations: Various, depending on the specific stamps issued.
- Significance: These stamps served as a means to mobilize public support for humanitarian causes and to provide aid to those in need.
Postage Due Stamps:
- Date of Issue: March 1, 1956
- Description: Stamps issued specifically for the payment of postage due fees on mail that was insufficiently prepaid. These stamps were typically affixed by postal authorities upon delivery of the mail.
- Design: The postage due stamps often featured numerical values and simple designs, sometimes incorporating symbols of the postal service.
- Significance: These stamps facilitated the collection of fees for underpaid postage and helped to ensure the efficient operation of the postal system.
Historic Events and Anniversaries:
- Date of Issue: Throughout the year
- Description: Stamps commemorating significant historical events or anniversaries relevant to German history, culture, or achievements may have been issued in 1956. These could include anniversaries of important battles, cultural milestones, or scientific breakthroughs.
- Significance: These stamps served to remind the public of important moments in German history and to commemorate significant achievements or milestones.
Collecting Information:
- Philatelic Interest: Stamps from 1956 are sought after by collectors interested in German philately, particularly those focusing on post-war West Germany.
- Thematic Collecting: Collectors interested in specific themes, such as famous personalities, relief efforts, or historic events, may find stamps from 1956 particularly appealing.
- Catalog Listings: These stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, which provide detailed descriptions, variations, and valuations.
Historical Context:
- Post-war Reconstruction: West Germany continued its post-war reconstruction efforts during this period, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, economy, and society.
- European Integration: The 1950s marked the beginning of efforts towards European integration, with the establishment of institutions like the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC).
Legacy:
The stamps issued by West Germany in 1956 reflect the cultural, historical, and social landscape of the time, serving as tangible artifacts of post-war German society. Collectors value these stamps for their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and representation of the values and achievements of the period.
