Bavaria – Scott # 159, used

Description

Bavaria Scott #159 (1919) — Used

This 10 Pfennig carmine imperforate overprinted stamp from Bavaria (Scott #159) was issued in 1919 by the revolutionary People’s State of Bavaria (Volksstaat Bayern) government. The black Gothic overprint “Volksstaat Bayern”—meaning People’s State of Bavaria—was applied to remaining stocks of King Ludwig III definitives following the king’s abdication in November 1918.

The imperforate issues, such as this one, were printed in limited quantities and are among the most striking products of Bavaria’s short-lived republican period. Circulating during a time of revolution, these stamps overlapped historically with the Bavarian Soviet Republic, though they were not officially issued by that regime. They remain powerful symbols of a nation in political upheaval—royal imagery literally overprinted by the ideals of a new republic.

This example is postally used, with a strong circular cancel that does not obscure the bold overprint or portrait design.

Condition: Used; clear cancel; ample margins; sharp overprint; deep carmine shade.
Issued: 1919
Color: Carmine with black overprint (imperforate)
Denomination: 10 Pfennig
Series: Overprinted King Ludwig III Imperforates — “Volksstaat Bayern”
Subject: King Ludwig III portrait with People’s State of Bavaria overprint