Bavaria – Scott # 177, used

Bavaria Scott #177 (1919) — Used

This 3 Pfennig brown overprinted stamp from Bavaria (Scott #177) was issued in 1919, during the establishment of the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern) following the collapse of both the monarchy and the short-lived revolutionary governments. The overprint “Freistaat Bayern”—meaning Free State of Bavaria—was applied to existing German Empire “Germania” stamps to mark Bavaria’s transition from the royal and revolutionary periods to a stable republican administration within the Weimar Republic.

Depicting the allegorical figure of Germania, symbol of national strength and unity, these overprinted issues embody a rare blend of imperial imagery and republican reform—an artistic reflection of postwar Germany’s uncertain balance between past and future.

This example is postally used, showing a clean circular cancel that preserves the sharp overprint and fine detail of the engraving.

Condition: Used; neat cancel; fine centering; crisp overprint; clear impression.
Issued: 1919
Color: Brown with black overprint
Denomination: 3 Pfennig
Series: Overprinted German Empire Definitives — “Freistaat Bayern”
Subject: Germania with Free State of Bavaria overprint