5 Million Mark Appraisal

Germany 1923 5 Million Mark Official Stamp (Dienstmarke)

This is a used German official postage stamp, known as a 'Dienstmarke', from the hyperinflation period of the Weimar Republic, specifically issued around 1923. The stamp features a central heraldic eagle motif printed in a deep green ink on a cream-colored off-white paper. The denomination '5' is located in the upper corners, representing 5 million Marks due to the economic conditions of the era. The words 'Deutsches Reich' are printed at the bottom in a German Fraktur typeface. Distinctively, the word 'Dienstmarke' is overprinted diagonally across the center in black emboldened Gothic script, indicating its use for official government business rather than general public mail. Physically, the stamp displays standard perforations on all four sides, though they appear somewhat irregular, suggesting it was separated from a sheet. A partial black circular cancellation mark (postmark) is visible on the left side, indicating it has been through the postal system. The condition shows minor signs of aging, including slight toning or yellowing of the paper and potential hinges on the reverse not visible here. The print quality is typical of the rapid, mass-produced issues required during Germany's 1920s monetary collapse.