9 Most Valuable & Rare German Stamps

9. Olympic Games Semipostal Stamp, 1980 – $22,460

The Olympic Games semipostal stamp, printed in 1980, was intended for issuance but was immediately withdrawn due to a boycott of the Summer Games in Moscow to protest Soviet military activity in Afghanistan. This boycott was part of a larger international effort, primarily led by the United States, to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979. As a result, the stamp was never officially released to the public, making it one of the rarest modern German stamps.

A few of these unissued stamps ended up in the possession of a German postal official, possibly due to a mix-up or an intentional act of preservation. These stamps were accidentally used on mail, which was later recovered by keen-eyed stamp collectors who recognized their rarity and historical significance. This unusual circumstance adds a layer of intrigue and value to the stamp, making it a coveted item among philatelists.

The last known sale of an Olympic Games semipostal stamp from 1980 was for $22,460 by Gaertner in 2017. This sale price reflects not only the stamp’s rarity but also its unique historical context, which continues to fascinate collectors and historians alike.

8. Sachsen 3 Pfennige Red Stamp, 1850 – $30,300

Issued in 1850, the Sachsen 3 pfennige red stamp is regarded as one of the most impressive classical European stamps from the mid-19th century. This stamp was part of the early postal issues of the Kingdom of Saxony, a significant historical region in Germany. The stamp’s simple yet elegant design and its age contribute to its status as a prized collectible.

Only a few copies of the Sachsen 3 pfennige red stamp were issued, and most of those were destroyed over time due to the fragility of the paper and the passage of nearly two centuries. The limited number of surviving specimens makes this stamp exceptionally rare and valuable. Additionally, the Sachsen 3 pfennige red stamp is commonly forged due to its rarity, which adds a level of complexity and caution for collectors.

In 2015, a Sachsen 3 pfennige red stamp sold for $30,300. This high sale price underscores the rare German stamp’s desirability and the lengths to which collectors will go to obtain such a piece of philatelic history.

7. One Kreuzer Black Stamp, 1849 – $44,957

The One Kreuzer black, or Schwarzer Einser, holds the distinction of being the first stamp issued in the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1849. Designed by Johann Peter Haseney, this stamp was issued on November 1st, marking the beginning of Bavaria’s postal history. The stamp’s design, featuring a numeral “1” prominently displayed in black ink, is simple yet historically significant.

Approximately 832,500 copies of the One Kreuzer black stamp were printed, but nearly all were removed from circulation by October 1851. This widespread removal was likely due to changes in postal rates or policies, making the surviving stamps particularly rare. The few remaining specimens are highly sought after by collectors for their historical importance and the beauty of their minimalist design.

A well-preserved One Kreuzer black stamp sold for $44,957 in May 2015. The condition of the stamp played a significant role in achieving this high sale price, as well-preserved examples are extremely rare.

6. 5m Kaiser Wilhelm II Invert Error Stamp, 1905 – $60,790

This rare German error stamp features an inverted-center error depicting Kaiser Wilhelm II and was issued during World War I. The stamp’s face value is 5 marks, and it was intended to commemorate Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was a prominent figure in German history. The inverted error occurred during the printing process, making these stamps exceptionally rare.

Only 27 known inverted stamps are thought to exist, with most found in the town of Stralsund, and two from Hamburg also surviving. The scarcity of this error stamp, combined with its historical context, makes it a highly prized collectible. The stamp’s inverted-center error is a striking visual anomaly, adding to its appeal among philatelists.

A 5m Kaiser Wilhelm II invert error stamp in fine condition was sold at the Felzmann auction in March 2016 for $60,790.

5. 2-Mark Germania Stamp with Quatrefoil Watermark, 1920 – $65,500

Issued in 1920, the 2-mark Germania stamp with a quatrefoil watermark is a rare variety with only three known specimens. This rare German stamp features the image of Germania, a personification of Germany, which was commonly used in German stamp designs during this period. The quatrefoil watermark, consisting of repeating diamond shapes, is what sets this stamp apart from other Germania issues.

In November 2015, one of these rare stamps sold for $65,500. The high sale price underscores the stamp’s desirability among collectors and the importance of watermarks in philatelic collections. The 2-mark Germania stamp with the quatrefoil watermark is a testament to the rich and varied history of German philately.

4. “Kerstfest” Error Stamp, 2016 – $112,394

The “Kerstfest” error stamp, printed in 2016, contained a misspelling of the word “Kerstfeest.” The entire printing run was rejected and reprinted with the correct spelling, making the error stamps extremely rare. The mistake in the spelling was likely due to a typographical error during the design process.

Despite the error, or perhaps because of it, the “Kerstfest” stamps became highly sought after by collectors. The rarity of these error stamps, combined with their modern production date, makes them a unique item in the world of philately. Error stamps often capture the imagination of collectors due to their unintended uniqueness.

A mint sheet of 10 “Kerstfest” error stamps sold for $112,394 to a dealer in November 2019. This high sale price reflects the strong demand for error stamps and the particular interest in this modern rarity.

3. Audrey Hepburn Stamp, 2001 – $176,000

The 2001 issue of the German Audrey Hepburn stamp had over 14 million copies initially printed, but only two sheets of 30 specimens have survived. Hepburn’s son refused to grant copyright for the stamp due to an altered photo, leading to the destruction of most copies. This controversy adds a layer of intrigue to the stamp’s history.

The Audrey Hepburn stamp features an iconic image of the actress, known worldwide for her roles in classic films and her humanitarian work. The refusal to grant copyright was due to the image being altered in a way that Hepburn’s son did not approve of, leading to the withdrawal and destruction of the stamps.

These rare German stamps sold for $176,000 during the June Christoph Gaertner sale in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2017. The high sale price reflects the stamp’s rarity and the enduring popularity of Audrey Hepburn as a cultural icon.

2. Oldenburg 1/3 Gr. Black on Green Paper Stamp, 1859 – $389,183

Issued in 1859, this unique German stamp is imperforated and lithographed on green paper, depicting a crown over the Arms of Oldenburg. The design is intricate and reflects the historical significance of the Duchy of Oldenburg. The stamp’s green paper and black ink combination is visually striking and adds to its rarity.

Only a block of four and a few pairs of these stamps remain in unused condition, making them exceptionally rare. The preservation of these stamps in good condition over such a long period is remarkable and adds to their value. The 1859 Oldenburg 1/3 Gr. black on green paper stamp last sold for $389,183.

This high sale price reflects the stamp’s rarity and the interest in historical stamps from smaller German states. The Oldenburg 1/3 Gr. black on green paper stamp is a significant piece of German philatelic history and a prized item for collectors.

1. Baden 9 Kreuzer Error Stamp, 1851 – $1,545,000

The Baden 9 Kreuzer error stamp, issued in 1851, is the most expensive German stamp ever issued. This stamp is renowned for its printing error, where it was printed in green instead of the intended pink. Only four copies of this stamp are believed to exist, making it incredibly rare and valuable.

The error occurred due to a mix-up in the printing plates, where the plate for the 6 Kreuzer stamp, which was green, was used for the 9 Kreuzer stamp, which was supposed to be pink. This mistake was not discovered until after the stamps were printed and issued, adding to the stamp’s intrigue and value.

A fine copy of this famous rare stamp was sold in April 2008 for $1,545,000. This record-breaking sale price reflects the stamp’s rarity and the high level of interest among collectors.