Personalities from politics, art and science

Personalities from politics, art and science was the name of two permanent stamp series that appeared on the one hand in 1948 in the Soviet occupation zone (SBZ) and on the other hand in 1952 in the GDR . Both series could partially be used until the beginning of 1954.

description

In addition to the 24 Pf stamp, one of the two that only appeared in the Soviet Zone.

Since the motif, color, print and value of the brands designed by Heinrich Ilgenfritz were identical, the two series can only be differentiated by the two watermark papers used for printing .

The stamps were printed in letterpress with 100 stamps each (10 × 10) in sheets. There are two types of separation: comb teeth 13: 12½ and cross- comb teeth 13:12 1/2, the latter usually recognizable by an offset under the sixth vertical perforation hole.

Both editions are referred to by collectors as KÖPFE I (SBZ, watermark 1 "Kreuzblumen") and KÖPFE II (GDR, watermark 2 " Posthorn und DDR"). The following numbering of the brands is based on the Michel catalog . However, the cataloging is currently being revised, so that the stamp inspection carried out by authorized special collectors to determine the mark has been suspended since 2004. A new cataloging with the separate recording of different types of perforation, types and colors will probably be available at the end of 2009.

SBZ edition

The 16 stamps from the SBZ (numbers: 212 to 227) appeared from October 11, 1948 and had finials (watermark 1) as a watermark. The editions from 1948 to 1952 were printed in the Giesecke & Devrient printing company (from January 1, 1949: VEB Deutsche Wertpapierdruckerei) in Leipzig. From June 14 to September 15, 1949, the stamps of the Soviet occupation zone were not recognized in West Berlin (Berlin Post War ).

GDR edition

The 15 GDR postage stamps (numbers: 327 to 341) appeared on April 16, 1952 and had a post horn and "GDR" as watermarks (watermark 2). This watermark appears in different positions (designation 2XI and XII as standing, 2YI and YII as lying) and is therefore very popular, especially among special collectors. There are editions on ordinary paper (z) and on chalk-coated "coated" paper (v). Due to the different papers and watermarks, there are up to 10 variants of a value level.

In 1952 it was printed in the VEB Graphische Werkstätten Leipzig. New printing plates were made and mostly new colors were used, which distinguish special collectors.

80 Pf value "Ernst Thälmann" with lacquer coating of the KÖPFE II series

When printing the blue 80 Pf. Stamp with Ernst Thälmann's head picture, major problems arose in February 1953 because the ink did not dry and could still be smeared after days. It was then decided to cover the sheets with varnish after printing . Such stamps were brought into circulation at several post offices before it was noticed that the stamp can now be removed from these stamps. A hasty start has now been made to withdraw these brands (and with them all blue Thälmann brands). A stamp in red color (Michel number 340) was issued in its place. The so-called Lack-80s used for a short time are sought-after rarities of the first order, especially on parcel card sections and requirement letters with postmarks before April 1, 1953. The stamps are however often mint. Later on, collectors' letters were produced en masse, and there are a large number of stamps with false stamps, which is why this stamp should only be purchased signed by a BPP examiner.

Validity period