The world of philately is rich with historical and artistic gems, and the 1951 National Philatelic Exhibition (NABA) stamps issued by Deutsche Bundespost are a standout example. These stamps were issued to commemorate the National Philatelic Exhibition in Wuppertal, an event celebrating the rich postal history and stamp collecting tradition in Germany.
The NABA stamps are not only aesthetically appealing but also hold great value among collectors. Their unique design, featuring a magnified stamp under a glass, symbolizes the meticulous nature of philately. In this blog post, we will explore the background, design, varieties, and market value of these iconic stamps.
Historical Background
The National Philatelic Exhibition of 1951 was an important event for stamp collectors in post-war Germany. It aimed to revive interest in philately and showcased some of the most iconic stamps ever issued. To mark this occasion, Deutsche Bundespost released two special semi-postal stamps with surcharges that contributed to the funding of the exhibition.
These stamps were not just souvenirs of the event; they were carefully crafted to celebrate the art of stamp collecting itself. The design highlights the detailed examination of stamps through a magnifying glass, a tool indispensable to collectors.
Design and Features
The two stamps in this issue were designed by Professor Schardt, and they feature a magnifying glass focusing on a German stamp, emphasizing the art and passion of philately.
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10pf + 2pf (Green, Black, and Yellow)
- The primary stamp in the set, this design features a magnifying glass highlighting part of a classic German stamp.
- Issued in a green color scheme, it carries an additional 2-pfennig surcharge for funding the philatelic exhibition.
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20pf + 3pf (Yellow, Black, and Claret)
- The higher denomination of the two, this stamp features the same design but in a bold claret color scheme.
- The 3-pfennig surcharge was also directed toward supporting the exhibition.
Both stamps were printed using lithography, a method that allowed for high detail and vibrant colors. They had perforation 14 and were watermarked with “W 263”, with the watermark appearing sideways.
Market Value and Collectibility
The 1951 NABA stamps are sought after due to their historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Their values vary based on condition, with mint and used conditions fetching different prices in the market.
According to the Stanley Gibbons catalog, the current market values are:
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10pf + 2pf (Yellow, Black, and Green)
- Mint Condition: £55.00
- Used Condition: £65.00
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20pf + 3pf (Yellow, Black, and Claret)
- Mint Condition: £65.00
- Used Condition: £70.00
These values reflect the high demand for these stamps, particularly in mint condition. Collectors should be cautious of imperforate forgeries that exist on unwatermarked paper.
Forgery Warning
One of the most important aspects of collecting classic stamps is identifying forgeries. The 1951 NABA stamps have known modern imperforate forgeries that exist without the official watermark. If you’re a collector looking to invest in these stamps, it’s crucial to verify the presence of the “W 263” sideways watermark to ensure authenticity.
Why These Stamps Matter
The 1951 National Philatelic Exhibition stamps are a fascinating piece of Germany’s philatelic history. They are special because:
- They celebrate the passion for stamp collecting by featuring a magnifying glass.
- They were issued to support a significant philatelic event in post-war Germany.
- Their design is unique and symbolic, making them highly desirable among collectors.
- Their limited issuance and surcharge usage make them both historically and monetarily valuable.
Final Thoughts
For both beginner and advanced collectors, the 1951 NABA stamps are a must-have. Their historical significance, unique design, and limited release make them stand out in German philatelic history. If you own one or plan to acquire it, ensure authenticity by checking the watermark and perforation.
These stamps represent more than just a postal issue; they are a tribute to the meticulous world of stamp collecting itself.