Postage Stamps of Hamburg

Historical Context

  • Issuance Period: Hamburg issued its own postage stamps from 1859 until it joined the North German Confederation in 1867.
  • City-State: As an important Hanseatic city, Hamburg managed its own postal system during this period.

Key Features

  1. Design:
    • The stamps prominently feature the city’s coat of arms, which includes a castle with three towers.
    • Early designs were simple, evolving into more intricate designs in later issues.
  2. Denominations:
    • Denominations included ½ Schilling, 1 Schilling, 2 Schilling, 3 Schilling, and higher values.
    • The currency used was Schilling.
  3. Colors:
    • Stamps were printed in various colors to denote different values, such as black, red, blue, and green.
  4. Usage:
    • Used both for local and international mail, with higher denominations required for the latter.

Collectibility

  • Rarity: Early issues and stamps in good condition are highly prized by collectors.
  • Philatelic Value: Covers with these stamps and complete sets are particularly valuable.
  • Historical Significance: These stamps provide insights into Hamburg’s postal history and its significance as a major trading hub.

Examples

  1. First Issue (1859):
    • ½ Schilling (black)
    • 1 Schilling (red)
    • 2 Schilling (blue)
    • 3 Schilling (green)
  2. Later Issues:
    • Higher denominations and variations in design and color.

Conclusion

The postage stamps of Hamburg are a significant part of philatelic history, representing a key period before the unification of Germany. Their unique designs, historical context, and limited issuance make them a fascinating subject for collectors.