The postage stamps of the old German State of Saxony (Sachsen), issued between 1851 and 1852, are among the rarest, most historically significant, and valuable philatelic items in the world. These early Saxon stamps, known for their unique designs and rarity, are highly sought after by collectors and historians alike, representing a critical era in the development of postal services in Germany.
The first postage stamp of Saxony, the "Sachsen Dreier," was issued on July 1, 1851. It had a face value of three Pfennige and was intended for local postal use within the Kingdom of Saxony. This stamp is one of the most famous and coveted stamps globally, partly because it was one of the first adhesive stamps issued in the German-speaking world, shortly after the "Black Penny" in England and the "Black One Kreuzer" from Bavaria.
The design of the 1851 Saxony stamp is modest but distinctive. It features a simple oval frame with the denomination “3 Pfennige” inscribed at the center, surrounded by a delicate floral pattern and the name “Sachsen.” What makes the "Sachsen Dreier" so special, however, is its extreme rarity. Only a small number of these stamps were printed, and even fewer have survived in good condition, making it one of the most valuable philatelic items on the market. Well-preserved examples can sell for hundreds of thousands of euros at auction.
Following this, Saxony issued other stamps in the early 1850s, but none reached the fame of the "Sachsen Dreier." A notable issue is the 1852 "7 Pfennige" stamp, which is also highly valued but less scarce than the 1851 edition.
The historical importance of these stamps lies in their representation of the early stages of the unification of postal services across German states. As part of the greater German Confederation, Saxony's early stamps provide a glimpse into the fragmented but evolving postal systems of pre-unified Germany. Collectors prize these stamps not just for their rarity and monetary value, but also for the story they tell about the development of communication in 19th-century Europe.
