Between 1859 and 1867, the city-state of Hamburg, one of the free and independent Hanseatic cities, issued a series of stamps that have become highly prized by collectors. Among these, the 1 ½ schilling red and the 7 schilling yellow-brown stamps are especially notable due to their rarity, distinctive designs, and historical significance.

The **1 ½ schilling red**, first issued in 1864, is a beautifully designed stamp that features Hamburg’s iconic coat of arms, depicting a castle with three towers, symbolizing the city’s strength and independence. This stamp, printed in a striking red color, was used for local and regional postal services within Hamburg and nearby areas. Its value is due to both its age and the relatively limited number of surviving examples in good condition. Imperforate versions of the 1 ½ schilling are particularly prized, as stamps from this period were often cut from sheets by hand, leading to variable margins and making perfectly preserved copies quite rare.

The **7 schilling yellow-brown** stamp, issued in 1864 as well, is one of the more valuable stamps from Hamburg's pre-German unification era. It was used for international mail and higher-value correspondence, making it less commonly used than lower-denomination stamps. Its distinctive yellow-brown color and intricate design make it a standout piece in any collection. Over time, many of these stamps were lost or damaged, making high-quality examples exceedingly rare. As with the 1 ½ schilling stamp, perforated versions of the 7 schilling are harder to find, which adds to their collector appeal.

These stamps, part of Hamburg’s independent postal system, were used until 1867, when Hamburg joined the North German Confederation and adopted its stamps. As a result, Hamburg's stamps from this period have become even more significant for collectors, representing the last vestiges of the city-state’s postal independence.

The historical value of these stamps is immense, as they offer a glimpse into a time when Hamburg operated autonomously, even in its postal system. The 1 ½ schilling red and 7 schilling yellow-brown stamps are particularly coveted for their beauty, rarity, and the story they tell about a unique period in German postal history.