Germany occupied parts of Romania during World War I and used German stamps with new overprints in 1917 and 1918. Romania German occupation stamps have proven popular with modern-day collectors. Whether you collect Romanian stamps, German stamps, WWI stamps, or postal items from occupying forces, these stamps will fit in well with your collection.
Overprints of Romania German Occupation Stamps You Can Collect
There is no wrong way to build a stamp collection. You can use a “one of each” approach, concentrate on a certain year, or simply buy whatever strikes your fancy. Looking for rare envelopes and cards (i.e., covers) using these stamps is also a unique and fun way to secure a tangible part of history for yourself.
When it comes to German occupation of Romania stamps form World War I, here are some of your options.
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The first variety of overprints (remember, on regular German stamps) reads M.V.i.R.. This stands for the German phrase Militär Verwaltung in Rumänien (in English, “Military Administration of Romania”). These stamps were surcharged in Romanian bani over their original value in German pfennigs.
Next, stamps with a simpler overprint were used: Rumänien. The new value, again in bani, was used on these as well. Finally, in 1918, German stamps with overprints reading Gültig 9. Armee were printed (gültig means “valid”).
More Romanian German Occupation Stamps to Collect
In addition to the above postage stamps, several other varieties of German overprints exist from Romania’s World War I occupation years. These include postage due stamps, which were actually Romanian postage due stamps with a new M.V.i.R. overprint. There are also postal tax stamps, which again were Romanian postal tax stamps with either the M.V.i.R. or the Gültig 9. Armee overprint. There is also a Romanian postal tax due stamp with the M.V.i.R. overprint.
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Finding an example of each type can be a fun pursuit for any hobbyist. The way to do it is to watch online sales listings, wait for a nice-looking stamp in your price range, verify that the seller is popular and has a good rating, and then buy. But be careful; there can be a lot of competition for these occupied Romania stamps. Don’t hesitate if you see something you like. Many buyers are disappointed that they didn’t move fast enough.
Such is the stamp-collecting world – the competition is fierce but that means sellers are always listing new offers. Good luck!
