The postage stamps of the former German state of Saxony, issued between 1850 and 1867, are among the most historically significant and valuable in philately. Saxony, an independent kingdom within the German Confederation, was one of the first German states to introduce postage stamps, starting in 1850. These stamps are rare and highly sought after by collectors due to their age, historical context, and scarcity.
One of the most famous stamps from Saxony is the **Sachsen Dreier**, or the **Saxony Three-Pfennig Green**, issued in 1850. This was Saxony’s first stamp and is notable for being one of the oldest stamps issued in Germany. The design features the royal coat of arms of Saxony and the denomination “3 Pfennige.” Despite its modest face value, the Dreier is incredibly valuable today due to its rarity. It is considered one of the "Blue Chips" of philately, with very few surviving copies in good condition. A pristine example of this stamp can fetch hundreds of thousands of euros at auction.
Other noteworthy Saxon stamps include the **1851 Six Pfennige Red** and the **1855 Five Neugroschen**. These stamps are prized for their classic, intricate designs and the insight they provide into the postal history of Saxony during the mid-19th century. The stamps were typically printed on handmade paper, and their varying colors, denominations, and design intricacies make them a favorite among specialized collectors.
The period of Saxon stamp issuance ended in 1867, when Saxony joined the North German Confederation. After this, its postal system was integrated into that of the larger German states. Today, Saxony's stamps from the pre-Confederation era remain highly collectible, not just for their aesthetic appeal, but for the rich historical significance they represent. Collectors treasure these stamps as symbols of a bygone era and for their place in the development of German and European postal systems.