Postage Stamps of the Bizone (1945-1949)

Historical Context

  • Period: 1945-1949
  • Status: The Bizone was formed by merging the American and British occupation zones in post-World War II Germany.

Key Features

  1. Overprints and Initial Issues:
    • Early stamps were existing German stamps overprinted with “Deutsche Post” to indicate use in the Bizone.
  2. Definitive and Commemorative Stamps:
    • Later stamps featured themes of reconstruction and new designs reflecting the zone’s status.
  3. Currency:
    • Stamps were denominated in Reichsmark until 1948, then in Deutsche Mark after the currency reform.

Collectibility

Bizone stamps are significant for their historical value, representing the early post-war period and the beginnings of the Federal Republic of Germany. They are sought after by collectors interested in German and post-war philately.