The postage stamps of the German state of Prussia, issued between 1850 and 1859, are among the most significant in the history of European philately. Prussia, one of the largest and most influential German states of the 19th century, was a pioneer in postal reform and was one of the first states in Europe to adopt adhesive postage stamps. These stamps not only served a practical purpose in streamlining the postal system but also reflected the political and cultural identity of the state during a time of rapid change.

The first Prussian postage stamp was issued on November 15, 1850. This stamp, commonly referred to as the "1 Silbergroschen" (Sgr), was a simple but elegant design featuring the Prussian coat of arms—an eagle holding a scepter and orb. The design of this stamp set the tone for future issues, characterized by a clean and utilitarian aesthetic. The early stamps were printed in monochrome, mostly in black or red, and engraved to showcase fine detailing. They were printed on unperforated sheets, meaning each stamp had to be cut by hand.

Prussia’s early stamp issues were denominated in the traditional currency units of "Silbergroschen" and "Pfennige," used before the adoption of a unified German monetary system. These stamps were mostly used for domestic mail, but by 1857, Prussia also started issuing stamps in "Kreuzer" to facilitate mail exchanges with southern German states, which used different currency systems.

Philatelists treasure these early Prussian stamps not only for their historical value but also for their rarity and craftsmanship. Some of the rarer issues, especially those with printing errors or variations in color, are highly sought after by collectors. For example, variations of the 1857 3 Sgr stamp, with its distinct color changes, are especially prized.

Overall, Prussia's early postage stamps represent an important chapter in European postal history. They are a window into a bygone era of German unification and are a prized possession in the collections of philatelists worldwide.