The postage stamps of the old German state of Hannover, issued between 1850 and 1857, are highly valued by philatelists due to their historical significance and rarity. The Kingdom of Hannover, located in northern Germany, was an independent state until it was annexed by Prussia in 1866. During its brief period of postal autonomy, Hannover issued some of the earliest postage stamps in German history, making them highly sought-after collectibles today.
The first series of Hannover stamps, released in 1850, featured a simplistic yet elegant design. These stamps depicted the royal coat of arms, including a crowned shield with a lion—a nod to the monarchy of King George V, who ruled Hannover at the time. What made these early issues unique was that they were printed without perforations, meaning collectors had to cut them out manually. This detail adds to their rarity, as surviving examples are often found with uneven edges.
In 1851, Hannover issued a series of new stamps featuring a portrait of King George V, who was blind by that time. The portrait stamps are notable for their distinct engravings and sharp detail, showcasing the skill of 19th-century stamp designers. These stamps were printed in various denominations, allowing for a wide range of postal uses. The value of these stamps today can vary significantly based on their condition and whether they bear postal markings from smaller towns, which can increase their rarity.
A special issue worth mentioning is the 1856 "Numeral Issue," where the stamps only showed a large numeral denoting the postal rate. These were printed in striking colors, but their simplicity makes them less visually appealing compared to earlier designs. However, their rarity and historical context continue to make them a valuable part of any serious collection.
Today, Hannover stamps from the 1850s are considered treasures of early European philately. Their survival through over 150 years of history, including wars and the dissolution of the Kingdom of Hannover, makes them a poignant reminder of a bygone era in German history.
