In the aftermath of World War II, Berlin remained a city divided, striving to rebuild its cultural and intellectual heritage. To honour some of its most influential historical figures, the 1952–53 Famous Berliners Stamp Series was issued, commemorating distinguished scientists, musicians, writers, and statesmen. These stamps not only serve as a philatelic milestone but also as a reminder of Berlin’s deep intellectual and artistic legacy.
This article provides a historical overview of the Famous Berliners Stamp Series, along with an in-depth look at the featured individuals and the market valuation of the stamps today.
The Cultural and Historical Context of Berlin in the 1950s
By the early 1950s, Berlin was at the heart of Cold War tensions. The city had been split into East and West, with each side striving to affirm its identity. West Berlin, under the administration of Western Allies, sought to reinforce its role as a cultural and intellectual hub. As part of this effort, the Famous Berliners Stamp Series was released between 1952 and 1953 to celebrate prominent Berlin-born personalities who had contributed significantly to various fields.
These stamps, designed with intricate recess printing and perforated at Perf 14, quickly gained popularity among collectors and history enthusiasts.
The 1952–53 Famous Berliners Stamp Series (B91–B100)
The full set comprises 10 stamps, each depicting a different historical figure. Below is an overview of the individual stamps, their significance, and their market prices.
1. 4pf Brown – Carl Friedrich Zelter (Musician) (22.11.52)
- Market Price: £0.90 (Unused), £0.90 (Used)
- Significance: Zelter was a composer and conductor, known for his work in the Berlin Sing-Akademie and for mentoring Felix Mendelssohn.
2. 5pf Blue – Otto Lilienthal (Aviator) (24.1.53)
- Market Price: £1.60 (Unused), £0.90 (Used)
- Significance: Often called the “Father of Flight”, Lilienthal was a pioneering aviator and engineer, whose studies of aerodynamics influenced the Wright brothers.
3. 6pf Brown-Purple – Walther Rathenau (Statesman) (24.6.53)
- Market Price: £9.00 (Unused), £13.00 (Used)
- Significance: Rathenau was a key figure in German politics, serving as Foreign Minister of the Weimar Republic before his assassination in 1922.
4. 8pf Brown-Red – Theodor Fontane (Writer) (7.3.53)
- Market Price: £3.50 (Unused), £3.50 (Used)
- Significance: Fontane was a leading German novelist and poet, best known for his realist literary style, especially in “Effi Briest”.
5. 10pf Green – Adolf von Menzel (Artist) (23.12.52)
- Market Price: £4.50 (Unused), £0.90 (Used)
- Significance: A celebrated painter and illustrator, Menzel’s works captured 19th-century Prussian life, including military and courtly scenes.
6. 15pf Deep Lilac – Rudolf Virchow (Pathologist) (24.1.53)
- Market Price: £23.00 (Unused)
- Significance: Virchow was a pioneering scientist and pathologist, credited with advancing cell theory and public health reforms.
7. 20pf Red – Werner von Siemens (Electrical Engineer) (12.10.52)
- Market Price: £4.00 (Unused), £1.30 (Used)
- Significance: Siemens was a renowned electrical engineer and industrialist who played a major role in the development of telecommunication and electrical engineering. He founded Siemens & Halske, a company that revolutionized telegraphy and electrical systems worldwide.
8. 25pf Olive Green – Karl Friedrich Schinkel (Architect) (27.5.53)
- Market Price: £4.00 (Unused), £1.30 (Used)
- Significance: Schinkel was a visionary architect who shaped Berlin’s neoclassical landscape, including the Altes Museum.
9. 30pf Purple – Max Planck (Physicist) (24.1.53)
- Market Price: £9.00 (Unused), £13.00 (Used)
- Significance: The founder of quantum theory, Planck’s discoveries revolutionized modern physics.
10. 40pf Black-Brown – Wilhelm von Humboldt (Philologist and Linguist) (2.5.53)
- Market Price: £39.00 (Unused), £4.00 (Used)
- Significance: Humboldt was a linguist and philosopher, instrumental in educational reforms and language theory.
Set of 10 Stamps (B91–B100)
- Market Price: £160 (Unused), £65 (Used)
- Significance: A complete set of all ten Famous Berliners stamps, highly valued by collectors.
Why Are These Stamps Collectible?
- Historical Value: These stamps honour figures who contributed significantly to science, literature, architecture, and aviation.
- Cold War Significance: Issued in West Berlin, they served as a cultural assertion against Soviet-controlled East Berlin.
- Artistic Quality: Designed with detailed engraving and rich colour variations, making them visually appealing.
Collecting Tips
- Buy Complete Sets: Full sets are more desirable than individual pieces.
- Verify Condition: Unused stamps with original gum fetch higher prices.
- Authentication Matters: Given their historical significance, certification from experts is recommended.
- Look for Special Postmarks: Some cancellations from significant dates or events can add value.
Conclusion
The 1952–53 Famous Berliners Stamp Series is a cultural and historical treasure. Honouring scientists, artists, and statesmen, these stamps reflect Berlin’s rich intellectual heritage and its efforts to reaffirm its place in global history. Whether as a historical artifact, a collector’s gem, or an investment piece, this series continues to captivate philatelists and history enthusiasts alike.
For collectors, these stamps offer more than just aesthetic beauty—they provide a tangible connection to Berlin’s golden age of innovation and creativity.