The stamps of the former German state of Bremen, issued between 1855 and 1867, are highly valued by philatelists due to their historical significance, rarity, and unique design. As an independent city-state within the German Confederation, Bremen was one of the few German states to issue its own postage stamps before Germany's unification in 1871. The first stamp, issued on April 10, 1855, featured the iconic *Bremer Schlüssel* (Key of Bremen), which was a symbol of the city’s long-standing autonomy and its history as a key trading hub.

The initial series consisted of a 5-groschen stamp, printed in blue, and a 7-groschen stamp, printed in brown. These early stamps were typographically printed, a method common at the time, giving them a distinctive embossed appearance. The simplicity of the design, coupled with the prominent city emblem, made them instantly recognizable. Later, more denominations were introduced, including the 3-groschen, 2-groschen, and eventually, in 1867, Bremen's last postage issue, the 10-groschen stamp.

What makes Bremen’s stamps particularly fascinating to collectors is not only their design but also the limited print runs and variations in shades and cancellations. Since Bremen was a relatively small state, the number of stamps printed was lower than in other parts of Germany, which makes them rare today. Additionally, stamps from Bremen often show signs of historical postal routes, as the city was a major point of connection for international mail due to its port.

The stamps from Bremen ceased to be issued after the North German Confederation took over postal services in 1868, but they remain sought after for their aesthetic and historical value. Today, unused and well-preserved examples of these stamps can fetch high prices at auctions. Their legacy as part of both Bremen’s and Germany’s philatelic history makes them treasures for collectors worldwide, representing an important era in European postal history.