2018-08-31 Fri

Volkshilfe Charity Stamps refers to a set of three stamps issued by Saar – a once existing country.

The Saar region is located on the French-German border southeast of Luxembourg. Once, known as Saarland, this country has a rich history. Though, termed as “dead country,” meaning that it no longer issues stamps, Saar offers a unique philatelic variety.

On 10th December 1955, Saar issued a set of three stamps, known as Volkshilfe Charity Stamps. They stamps aimed at public welfare and generating money for that cause. Based on the etchings by Albrecht Dürer, the stamps come with three denominations of 5 Francs with surcharge of 3 Francs, 10 Francs with the surcharge of 5 Francs and 15 Francs with the surcharge of 7 Francs.

The 5+3 Francs stamp features the painting of Dürer's Mother, Age 63. The 10+5 Francs stamp features Praying Hands and the last stamp of 15+7 Francs portrays an Old Man of Antwerp. All the stamps are inscribed with “VOLKSHILFE” at the top, year of issued on the left to the centre design and the name of the country flanked by the denomination and surcharge value at the bottom.

Saar produced its own postage stamps beginning in 1920 with many beautiful varieties and designs which can be good collectibles.

Image Courtesy: https://www.stamp-collecting-world.com