The German occupation of Belgium during World War I led to many changes, including the issuance of overprinted postage stamps. These stamps, originally German issues, were overprinted with the word “Belgien” and new denominations in centimes and francs. This set is one of the most historically significant wartime philatelic issues, reflecting the control exerted by the German Empire over occupied territories.
For stamp collectors, these overprints represent not only a fascinating aspect of postal history but also a glimpse into the strategic wartime use of postal services. This blog post delves into the details of the 1914 Belgian occupation stamps, their varieties, and their values based on Stanley Gibbons pricing.
Historical Background of the Issue
On August 4, 1914, German forces invaded Belgium as part of their strategy to quickly reach France. The occupation lasted until the final Allied offensive of September 28, 1918, which reclaimed significant territory from German control. Under the terms of the Armistice of November 11, 1918, all German forces left Belgium.
To facilitate postal operations under occupation, German authorities issued Belgian overprints on existing German stamps. These were released on October 1, 1914, and were used throughout the occupied territories. The overprint “Belgien” (Belgium in German) was applied in a Gothic script with new currency values in centimes (c) and francs (fr), reflecting Belgium’s monetary system.
Details of the 1914 German Occupation Overprints
These stamps were originally from Germany’s Deutsches Reich issues and had values ranging from 3 centimes to 2.50 francs. The new Belgian denominations were added in bold black overprint.
Stamps and Values
Below is a list of the issued stamps, their original German values, the new Belgian denominations, and their Stanley Gibbons (SG) catalog prices for both mint and used conditions:
- 3c on 3pf brown – Mint: £0.50, Used: £0.80
- 5c on 5pf green – Mint: £0.50, Used: £0.80
- 10c on 10pf carmine – Mint: £0.50, Used: £0.80
- 25c on 20pf ultramarine – Mint: £4.00, Used: £4.00
- 50c on 40pf black and carmine – Mint: £6.50, Used: £13.00
- 75c on 60pf magenta – Mint: £3.00, Used: £3.25
- 1fr on 80pf black and carmine/rose – Mint: £4.00, Used: £4.50
- 1fr25c on 1m red – Mint: £39.00, Used: £32.00
- 2fr50c on 2m blue – Mint: £39.00, Used: £32.00
Collectors should note that while lower denominations are common, higher values such as the 1fr25c on 1m red and 2fr50c on 2m blue are rare and command significant prices.
Key Features and Varieties
Several key factors make this set unique and valuable:
1. Gothic Overprint Font
The “Belgien” overprint was applied in a distinct Gothic typeface, giving these stamps an instantly recognizable appearance. Any variations in font style or misalignment can affect value.
2. Inverted and Misplaced Overprints
As with many wartime overprints, errors such as inverted, doubled, or misplaced overprints exist. These varieties are highly sought after by specialists and can fetch many times the normal catalog value.
3. High-Value Stamps
The higher denominations (1fr25c and 2fr50c) were issued in much smaller quantities and remain rare today. Finding these in mint condition with original gum significantly increases their value.
Tips for Collecting German Occupation of Belgium Stamps
If you are considering adding these stamps to your collection, keep the following in mind:
- Authenticity: Due to their historical importance, forgeries exist, especially with high-value overprints. Always buy from reputable dealers or get them expertized.
- Condition Matters: Mint, well-centered stamps with fresh gum fetch the highest prices. Used stamps with clear postmarks from occupied Belgian towns are also desirable.
- Look for Overprint Errors: Collectors actively seek varieties such as double overprints, inverted overprints, and misaligned text. These can greatly increase the value of a stamp.
- Pairs and Blocks: If you find multiple stamps in pairs or blocks, their value increases due to their rarity.
Investment Potential
German occupation issues remain a strong investment option in the philatelic market. The combination of wartime history, limited print runs, and collector interest ensures steady demand. Prices for mint condition stamps and varieties continue to rise, making them an excellent addition to any serious stamp collection.
Final Thoughts
The 1914 German occupation of Belgium stamps tell a powerful story of wartime postal history and military control. These overprints, though issued under harsh circumstances, have become a treasured part of philately. Whether you’re an advanced collector or a beginner, owning a piece of this history is both a privilege and an opportunity.
If you have any of these stamps in your collection or are looking to acquire them, make sure to study the varieties and verify authenticity. The search for these elusive wartime overprints is what makes collecting them so exciting!