Introduction
The 1951 “Friendship with China” issue from East Germany (Deutsche Demokratische Republik – DDR) is an important philatelic series reflecting the political and diplomatic alliance between East Germany and the People’s Republic of China. Issued on June 27, 1951, the set consists of three stamps featuring Mao Tse-tung (Mao Zedong) and Chinese Land Reform scenes.
This blog provides an in-depth reference guide to the series, detailing design elements, printing specifics, watermark identification, perforations, and catalogue values while also providing insight into its historical significance.
Historical Context
The early 1950s saw growing political ties between East Germany and China, both of which were socialist states aligned with the Soviet Union. The Friendship with China stamp issue was released to commemorate the strengthening diplomatic and ideological relationship between the two nations.
The stamps prominently feature Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China, alongside imagery symbolizing the Chinese Land Reform movement, which was a major socio-political initiative aimed at redistributing land from landlords to peasants. These themes aligned with East Germany’s socialist ideals, making the issue both a propaganda tool and a symbol of solidarity.
Design & Printing Details
Designers and Printing Method
- Designer: G. Martens
- Printing Process: Lithography
- Watermark: R2
- Perforation: 13½ x 13 (vertical) or 13½ x 13 (horizontal)
- Denominations & Colors:
- 12 pfennig (Green) – Portrait of Mao Zedong
- 24 pfennig (Carmine) – Chinese Land Reform scene
- 50 pfennig (Blue) – Portrait of Mao Zedong
Each stamp carries the inscription “Deutsch-Chinesische Freundschaft” (German-Chinese Friendship) at the top, reinforcing the diplomatic theme.
Catalogue Values & Market Overview
The set of three stamps is highly collectible, especially in mint, unused, or well-centered postally used condition. Below are the approximate values:
Individual Stamp Values
-
12 pfennig green (E17, Mao Zedong)
- Mint: £120
- Used: £31
-
24 pfennig carmine (E18, Chinese Land Reform Scene)
- Mint: £180
- Used: £38
-
50 pfennig blue (E17, Mao Zedong portrait, different denomination)
- Mint: £120
- Used: £39
Set of Three (E43/E45)
- Mint Condition: £375
- Used Condition: £95
Note: Prices fluctuate based on condition, centering, and gum quality. Well-centered, lightly-hinged specimens fetch higher premiums, while postally used or poor-condition copies sell for significantly less.
Identification & Authentication Guide
1. Watermark Verification
The 1951 “Friendship with China” stamps have watermark R2. Use a watermark detector or a black background with light to verify authenticity.
2. Perforation Check
- Perforation must match 13½ x 13 (vertical) or 13½ x 13 (horizontal).
- Any deviation suggests a possible forgery or reprint.
3. Paper & Gum Examination
- Originals are printed on quality white paper.
- The gum should have a smooth, non-glossy finish.
- Reprints or forgeries may have thicker gum or incorrect shades.
4. Color & Ink Consistency
- Original issues have rich, deep colors.
- Forgeries often have faded, dull, or incorrect color shades.
Collecting Tips & Investment Potential
- Mint, never-hinged copies with full gum are the most valuable.
- Used stamps on cover with clear postal cancels (especially from China or East Germany) are rare and sought-after.
- Specimen overprints or imperforate proofs occasionally appear in auctions and are highly valuable.
- Avoid heavily hinged, repaired, or faded copies, as these significantly reduce the stamp’s worth.
- Check auction houses like Spink, David Feldman, and Christoph Gärtner for high-quality examples.
Final Thoughts
The 1951 DDR “Friendship with China” issue remains an essential set for collectors of German Democratic Republic (DDR) philately, political propaganda issues, and China-related thematic collections. Its historical significance, limited print run, and symbolic imagery make it a prized addition to any serious collection.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or evaluate your collection, ensure you check for originality, watermark presence, and condition grading to get the best value.