The stamps of the **Norddeutscher Postbezirk** (North German Postal District) are among the most historically significant and sought-after philatelic items from Germany's pre-Imperial period. Established in 1868, this postal district unified the postal services of northern German states under Prussian leadership. One of the rarest and most valuable stamp series from this region is the **1870 issue**, particularly the **1 centime light green** and the **10 centimes orange** stamps.

### **1 Centime Light Green (1870)**
The 1 centime light green stamp stands out due to its unique low denomination and color. Issued in 1870 for international correspondence, it was used primarily for paying part of the postage on letters sent to Switzerland. Its light green hue, coupled with its small centime value, makes it distinctive among the Norddeutscher Postbezirk stamps, which more commonly feature groschen or thaler denominations.

Because of its specific usage and limited circulation, the 1 centime light green is a rare find, especially in mint or pristine condition. For collectors, this stamp’s simplicity belies its great historical significance as part of the German states’ transition into a unified postal system under the forthcoming German Empire.

### **10 Centimes Orange (1870)**
Equally rare and historically important is the 10 centimes orange stamp. Like the 1 centime green, the 10 centimes orange was issued for international mail, particularly to neighboring countries like France and Belgium. Its striking orange color and higher denomination make it a highly recognizable and coveted piece. This stamp, designed for heavier correspondence or higher postage requirements, was integral in facilitating international trade and communication at a time of growing economic ties between northern German states and their neighbors.

### Historical Significance and Rarity
Both the 1 centime light green and 10 centimes orange stamps represent the **North German Confederation’s brief yet pivotal role** in unifying the region's postal services before the formation of the **German Empire** in 1871. These stamps were issued just a year before the unification, and they reflect the growing need for standardized communication and international postal arrangements. 

Their rarity today stems from their limited issuance and the brief period during which they were in use, making them highly prized by collectors. In addition, stamps of this era were often subject to damage through use, making well-preserved examples even more valuable. Furthermore, varieties in perforation, watermarks, and minor color variations add additional layers of interest for serious philatelists.

For collectors of German postal history, the **1870 Norddeutscher Postbezirk stamps**, particularly the 1 centime light green and 10 centimes orange, are prized treasures. They offer a tangible connection to the geopolitical shifts of 19th-century Europe and serve as relics of a rapidly modernizing postal system that would soon become part of the German Empire's infrastructure. These stamps are not only rare but also tell the story of a nation on the verge of unification, making them indispensable to any advanced collection.