German Democratic Republic Mi#405XII (187)/421XII (203) 1953-1954 5 Year Plan Definitives, 2nd Issue, Type 2 Wmks, 7 VFOG Singles, Click on Listing to See ALL Pictures, Estimated Value $30

7 VFOG singles from the 1953-1954 5 Year Plan Definitives, 2nd issue. Type 2 Wmks. The Scott numbers range from 405XII (187) to 421XII (203), and include 405XII/421XII (SC# 187/203). 2023 Michel cat. €42.2. Our estimate of the value based on the condition is $30.

Although not listed by Scott, the DDR and Posthorn Watermark exists both horizontal and sideways on most issues between 1953 and 1957. The sideways versions are exceedingly rare, and list in Michel in most cases for thousands of Euro each. In addition to this though the watermark itself comes in two distinct types: Type I and Type II. On Type 1 the letters DDR are 6 mm tal, and are narrower than type II. On type II the letters are 5 mm high and appear wider. Also, the posthorn is both wider and flatter on type 2.

There is a common misconception that all the used stamps of the official issues and the 5 Year Plan definitives are worthless junk. Scott does indeed price all these stamps used at the minimum price of 20 cents. However, they clearly state that their prices are for the 1957 reprints, which have printed, rather than handstamped cancellations. The actual original printings are much scarcer and more desirable, especially if they are postally used, as opposed to CTO. The distiction between CTO and postally used comes down to experience, but generally, CTO cancels are much lighter and placed away from the main design, whereas a genuine postal cancel will generally not be perfect. It will be of uneven intensity and will show some evidence of having been applied by a human hand. Michel lists the postally used and original CTO printings, and our prices here reflect those listings.