Bavaria played a pivotal role in philatelic history as one of the pioneering German states to issue postage stamps. Under the reign of King Ludwig II (1864–1886), Bavaria continued producing meticulously designed stamps that remain highly desirable among collectors.
One of the most historically significant issues from this period is the 1867 series, which introduced an embossed royal Bavarian coat of arms and incorporated silk thread security technology. Issued in multiple denominations and colour variations, these stamps reflect both the artistic craftsmanship and technical advancements of the era.
This post explores the historical background, technical details, full denomination listing, and collector value of the 1867 Bavarian stamp series, using the Stanley Gibbons catalogue as a reference. This ensures accuracy while maintaining compliance with copyright guidelines.
Historical Context: King Ludwig II and the 1867 Stamp Series
King Ludwig II, famously known for his architectural masterpieces like Neuschwanstein Castle, ruled during a time of rapid postal development in Bavaria. His reign marked a shift toward more sophisticated postal administration, leading to the creation of beautifully designed stamps that set Bavaria apart from other European postal systems.
The 1867 Bavarian stamps represent a major evolution in design and security features. Earlier Bavarian stamps featured simple numeral-based designs, but this series introduced a detailed royal coat of arms, demonstrating the state’s monarchical pride. The incorporation of silk thread technology also highlighted Bavaria’s commitment to innovation in postal security.
Technical Features of the 1867 Bavarian Stamps
1. Printing and Design
The 1867 series was engraved by P. Riess and printed using embossed and typographic techniques at the Mint in Munich. Unlike perforated stamps that would later become the norm, these were imperforate, requiring them to be manually cut from sheets.
2. Silk Thread Security Feature
A defining characteristic of these stamps was the silk thread embedded into the paper. This security measure made counterfeiting significantly more difficult while adding a distinctive visual and textural element. The thread remains a crucial authenticity marker for collectors today.
3. Coat of Arms Design
Unlike earlier numeral-based designs, the 1867 issue prominently features the royal Bavarian coat of arms, flanked by two heraldic lions. The denomination is displayed in all four corners, while intricate ornamental borders add to the aesthetic appeal.
Complete Listing of the 1867 Bavarian Stamps and Valuations
Using the Stanley Gibbons catalogue as a reference, below is the full listing of denominations and colour variations for the 1867 Bavarian stamps. This ensures accuracy and provides a reliable guide for collectors.
1 Kreuzer Yellow-Green is valued at £100 in mint condition and £20 for used examples. 1 Kreuzer Green carries a valuation of £300 for mint and £46 for used. A rarer variation, 1 Kreuzer Blue-Green, holds a significant valuation of £500 for mint condition and £85 for used copies.
The 3 Kreuzer Rose variant is priced at £110 for mint and £13 for used, while the 3 Kreuzer Rose-Carmine is slightly less valuable at £100 for mint and £30 for used copies. Moving to higher denominations, the 6 Kreuzer Pale Blue is worth £80 mint and £33 used, whereas the 6 Kreuzer Blue shares the same valuation.
Several 6 Kreuzer variations exist, including 6 Kreuzer Pale Bistre (dated 1.10.1868), which is valued at £130 mint and £80 used. Another variant, 6 Kreuzer Deep Bistre (issued in 1869), does not have a listed valuation but is considered highly collectible.
Among the 7 Kreuzer denominations, the 7 Kreuzer Blue (dated 1.10.1868) is valued at £650 for mint and £26 for used copies. More sought after is the 7 Kreuzer Deep Blue (1869), commanding a significant price of £2,000 for mint and £850 for used. The rarest and most valuable among these is the 7 Kreuzer Prussian Blue (1869), which reaches an astonishing £3,750 for mint condition and £1,300 for used copies.
For 9 Kreuzer stamps, the 9 Kreuzer Pale Bistre is valued at £80 mint and £70 used, while the 9 Kreuzer Yellow-Bistre does not have an explicitly listed valuation but remains an important collectible.
In the 12 Kreuzer category, the 12 Kreuzer Mauve is worth £600 mint and £160 used, while the 12 Kreuzer Dull Mauve is another known variant with an unlisted valuation. Lastly, the 18 Kreuzer Brick-Red holds a respectable value of £225 for mint copies and £275 for used examples.
Why These Stamps Are Highly Valued by Collectors
1. Advanced Security Features
The silk thread technology made these stamps unique and difficult to forge, setting them apart from other European issues.
2. Exceptional Artistic and Technical Design
The use of embossing techniques, typographic printing, and an ornate coat of arms made this series one of the most visually appealing Bavarian issues.
3. Historical Importance
These stamps represent a crucial turning point in Bavaria’s postal system, transitioning from basic numeral stamps to monarchical heraldry-based designs.
4. Investment and Rarity
With a variety of colour variations, some of which are extremely rare, these stamps continue to increase in market value. The 7 Kreuzer Prussian Blue (1869) remains one of the most desirable stamps in Bavarian philately.
Expert Tips for Collecting Bavarian Stamps
- Verify Silk Thread Presence – Authentic Bavarian stamps from this era always include an embedded silk thread. If it’s missing, the stamp may be either a forgery or a heavily damaged specimen.
- Check for Embossing Quality – Well-preserved embossing adds significant value to the stamp. Avoid examples where the embossing has faded.
- Look for Rare Colour Variants – Some shades, such as Prussian Blue, command significantly higher market prices than their standard-colour counterparts.
- Authenticate Valuable Stamps – Due to the high prices of some issues, certification from reputable philatelic organizations (e.g., BPP – Bund Philatelistischer Prüfer) is recommended.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy in Philately
The 1867 Bavarian stamp series under King Ludwig II remains a cornerstone of European philately, offering a blend of artistic elegance, security innovation, and historical significance. These stamps are not just collectibles—they are tangible pieces of 19th-century Bavarian heritage.
For those looking to expand their collection or make an investment, this series offers a range of highly valuable and rare stamps, ensuring its enduring appeal in the philatelic community.