The stamps of the old German state of Bavaria from the early 1920s hold a special place in philately, cherished by collectors worldwide for their historical and monetary value. Bavaria, one of the oldest stamp-issuing entities in Germany, produced some of its most iconic stamps just after World War I, during a time of significant transition. With the end of the monarchy in 1918 and Bavaria becoming a Free State, the stamps issued in 1920 offer a snapshot of this remarkable period, marking the end of Bavarian royal rule and the early days of the Weimar Republic. The stamps featuring portraits of the reigning prince—especially the 5 Pfennig Green, 10 Pfennig Pink, and 30 Pfennig Orange in mint, unhinged (postfris) condition—are among the most sought after.
The **5 Pfennig Green** stamp is particularly valuable due to its relative rarity and iconic design. In mint condition, the sharp green color and clean impression make it an attractive piece. Stamps in good, postfris condition are especially hard to come by, making this stamp a prized item in Bavarian collections. The 5 Pfennig value would have covered the cost of domestic printed matter at the time, making it a staple in postal use; however, this also led to fewer unused copies surviving to modern times.
The **10 Pfennig Pink** stamp is another highlight for collectors, known for its vibrant pink hue and historical significance. This denomination was used for local postcards, meaning many were handled frequently, leading to fewer high-quality, unused versions. In postfris condition, the 10 Pfennig Pink stamp shows off its rich color and delicate design, providing insight into the printing techniques of the era.
The **30 Pfennig Orange** stamp is the highest denomination of the three, and thus a standout for both its visual appeal and rarity. This denomination was generally used for higher-rate postage, often on international letters. Its bold orange color and distinct portrait design of the reigning prince make it a central piece in Bavarian philatelic collections. Unused copies are especially scarce, adding considerable value to those in postfris condition.
Collectors prize these three stamps not only for their beauty but also for their role as artifacts of Bavarian identity and history. They represent a turning point in the German postal system and the end of Bavaria's independent monarchy, making them valuable both financially and historically. Today, the 5 Pfennig Green, 10 Pfennig Pink, and 30 Pfennig Orange in postfris condition are among the most coveted treasures for serious philatelists interested in German and Bavarian history.
