First stamps On 1 May 1851 the first
definitive stamps, the 1, 3, 6, and 9
Kreuzer, were issued in the
Grand Duchy of Baden. With these
denominations, all important postage tariffs were covered in both distance and weight. Baden's first four stamps were designed on the model of
Bavaria's stamps. They are cipher designs highlighting the postage denomination. Additionally they have the inscription "Baden" and "
Freimarke" (
definitive stamp) as well as "
Deutsch-Österreichischer-Postverein / Vertrag 6. April 1850" (German-Austrian Postal Union / Treaty, 6 April 1850) to emphasise joining the postal union.
9 Kreuzer green Philatelists refer to the colour misprint of the 9 Kreuzer value of the first stamp issue in cyan instead of pink as the "
9 Kreuzer error". The stamps were printed with black ink on coloured paper; green paper was intended for the 6 Kreuzer value, but mistakenly used to print a number of 9 Kreuzer stamps. Four examples are known: one, unused, which was auctioned in 2008 for €1,314,500, and three that are
cancelled: one, last seen in 1919, on a piece, and two on
letters. Of the two covers, one was sold to the
Reichspost Museum and is now in Berlin's
Museum of Post and Communication, the other, still in private hands, from the German States collection of
John R. Boker, Jr., was sold at the Heinrich Köhler auction of Boker's collection in 1985 for $833,595. The error is one of the great philatelic rarities of the world.
Further stamp issues 1860–1868 Until 1871 (last year of their validity), the Grand Duchy of Baden issued 28 different stamps. Following the cipher design of the first issue, the Baden's
coat of arms was prominent in the next issues.
1860 Perforate 13 1/2 While the first issues were
imperforate, in 1860 the first perforated stamps were issued, but the execution of the rather tight perforation was not always perfect.
1862 Perforate 10 An easier, wider perforation, values 1 to 9 kreuzer. Background with fine lines (again).
1862–1865 Background is white. Values 1 to 30 kreuzer. File:1862 Baden 3kr Freiburg Mi18.jpg|3 kreuzer, cancelled at FREIBURG File:1862 Baden 9kr Pforzhem Mi20.jpg|9 kreuzer, cancelled at PFORZHEIM File:1864 9kr Carlsruhe Strasbourg.jpg|Envelope, with 9 kreuzer, cancelled at CARLSRUHE in 1864, sent to Strasbourg
October 1868 Three values, noted 1, 3 and 7 KR. File:1868 Baden 1kr Heidelberg Mi23.jpg|1 KR., cancelled at HEIDELBERG File:1868 Baden 3kr Engen Mi24.jpg|3 KR., cancelled at ENGEN File:1868 Baden 7kr Rastatt Mi25a.jpg|7 KR., cancelled at RASTATT
Landpost The
Landpost postage due stamps are a special area in Baden's postal history. The three values of 1, 3, and 12 Kreuzer were issued on 1 October 1862. These stamps were not given to postal customers during their valid period and could not be used as definitive stamps. With these stamps, additional delivery charges to addresses in rural villages, not served by a local
post office, were paid. The sender could choose to pre-pay the charge. The
Landpost stamps were not regular
Postage Due stamps, although their use as such, and for other charges, is also known. They should have been stuck on the reverse, but are often seen on the front.
Forgeries Forgeries are known of a number of Baden stamps. If the 1853 white 1 Kreuzer stamp is immersed in tea or coffee for a long time, the paper colour appears like that of the 1851 1 Kreuzer issue, which increases its value tenfold, however the shade is a not as saturated as an original. When the stamp is dipped into warm water, the staining of the falsified stamp dissolves and the water darkens. The 3 Kreuzer stamp is also endangered. The 1862 stamp, perforated 13½, with unusual narrow margin or especially nice perforation, can be made from the stamp perforated 10, to increase its value significantly. Both stamps need to be the same size. Forgeries of the 18 Kreuzer stamp are fairly primitive; the characters are different and can be clearly distinguished by comparing it to other stamps of the series. The 30 Kreuzer stamp occasionally has a forged cancellation. In this case, only an inspector can help. The Landpost stamps are often found uncancelled as total forgeries. On these, the leaf that points towards the value number is not very successfully done and can be identified through comparison. The
paper is also browner. ==Joining the German Reich==