1923 Stamps Appraisal

German Reich Postage Stamp Collection (1921-1923)

This item is a partial collection of postage stamps from the German Reich, primarily dating from 1921 to 1923, and presented on a light brown album page. The collection features two distinct series of stamps. The first series, dated '1921' to the left of the stamps, consists of several definitive stamps with large, ornate numerals indicating their face value. These stamps are rectangular with perforated edges and feature solid color backgrounds with the denomination and 'Deutsches Reich' (German Empire) printed. Observed denominations include 5 (reddish-purple), 10 (dark green), 25 (brownish-red), 30 (teal), 40 (orange-red), 50 (dark purple), and 75 (dark blue). The '50' pfennig stamp appears to have an overprint or watermark '5000-5000' or similar, indicating hyperinflation-era revaluations. The second series, dated '1923' below the stamps, includes pictorial stamps depicting figures engaged in labor or social activity, indicative of the 'Workers' or 'Inflation' issues. Denominations visible are 60 (dark red), 80 (bright red), and 100 (green, though largely obscured by a postmark or cancellation mark). Some stamps, particularly the 100-mark one, show signs of postal use with dark cancellation marks. The album page itself is simple, unlined, and appears to be made of sturdy, possibly acid-free, paper judging by its color and texture. The stamps are affixed to the page, likely using hinges or mounts, although the method is not explicitly clear for all. The overall condition of the stamps varies; some appear pristine, while others exhibit clear signs of postal use, such as cancellations. There are no obvious tears or major creases visible from the image, but slight discoloration or age toning may be present on both the stamps and the album page. The collection illustrates a period of significant economic upheaval in post-WWI Germany, particularly through the high denominations and the 'inflation issues' of 1923.