World of Stamps
Germany 1942 Adolf Hitler 53rd Birthday Stamp – Michel 813
Germany 1942 Adolf Hitler 53rd Birthday Stamp – Michel 813
Couldn't load pickup availability
Germany 1942 Adolf Hitler 53rd Birthday Stamp – Michel 813
History of the Stamp
This German Third Reich semi-postal stamp was officially issued on 13 April 1942 to commemorate Adolf Hitler’s 53rd birthday on 20 April 1942. Produced during the Second World War, its military portrait and commemorative date formed part of the Nazi regime’s state propaganda.
The stamp had a postal value of 12 Reichspfennig plus a compulsory 38-Reichspfennig fundraising surcharge. It was printed in sheets of 50 and remained valid for postage until 31 December 1942. A special one-day commemorative postmark carrying a wartime propaganda slogan was also used on 20 April 1942 in several cities, including Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg and Vienna. Today, the issue is collected as a historical artefact documenting German postal history and wartime propaganda; its sale does not signify endorsement of the regime or its ideology.
Specifications
| Country | Germany (Deutsches Reich) |
|---|---|
| Issue date | 13 April 1942 |
| Commemorated date | 20 April 1942 |
| Denomination | 12 + 38 Reichspfennig |
| Colour | Blackish carmine-red |
| Original format | Sheets of 50 (10 × 5) |
| Postal validity | 13 April–31 December 1942 |
| Catalogue references | Michel 813 / Scott B203 |
FAQs
1. When was this German stamp issued?
It was officially issued on 13 April 1942. The printed date, 20 April 1942, refers to the birthday it commemorated.
2. What does “12 + 38” mean on the stamp?
The 12 Reichspfennig portion paid the postal rate, while the additional 38 Reichspfennig was a compulsory fundraising surcharge.
3. Is this stamp rare?
Ordinary examples are historically interesting but are not generally rare. Value depends on authenticity, original gum, hinge condition, centering, perforations, cancellation and overall preservation.
