Interesting assortment of German stamps. In 19th century, the German States got different currencies like "Pfennig / Thaler" in most Northern parts and "Kreuzer/ Gulden" in the Southern states. After the unification in 1871, the "Deutsches Reich" had one single currency: 1 Mark = 100 Pfennig. And: Germany never got a double eagle in his coat of arms. If you find these on stamps, they are mostly from Austria, Russia or Albania. 22:45 That´s the third Prussian issue from 1858 (gegitterter Grund), No watermark used for these stamps ! The first issue is easy to identify because the stamps were engraved. 25:00 These stamps don´t belong to a collection of "German States", but to "Soviet occupation of Germany" after WWII. 25:43 This stamp was issued by a private company: "Express", delivering local mail in Hamburg during late 19th century. Greets from GER, U.
Nice, a Cabinets Episode! I tried to quickly read up about Germany and German States, but it is pretty complicated, so I didn't try too hard. But now I learned a bit through your video. The surcharge definition - yes definitions of terminology can be difficult and frustrating, and it is so important, to exactly know what someone means by using a certain term. It was an interesting episode, Kyle. Thanks!
Hi Kyle. "Is it really a surcharge?" around 41:50 on the video. Yes it is, because 12 mark (think dollars) is more than 40 pfennig (think cents). I enjoy your totally improvised episodes. Some day, hopefully, you'll run into a true gem.
Any stamp that has any damage whatsoever goes into my trash. I do not even have to think about it. Lol! I never thought about it but you are correct that surcharge generally means an addition. However most countries surcharge to a lower denomination to keep people from overprinting them themselves. No one is going to forge a surcharge with a lower denomination and lose money. Inflationary period issues are a different matter. I have to agree with you that it may not be the literally correct word to use but it is the word that is generally accepted in stamp circles. Perhaps those paper hinges are homemade. Nice video. I like German stamps too.
