The 192nd Dresden stamp auction once again proved to be an event of remarkable substance and depth. With 2215 German-themed lots sold and several dozen hammer prices in the four-figure range, the market demonstrated a stable and even lively state. Demand was particularly strong for classic Saxon rarities and select top-tier post-war philately.
In the Old German States section, a legendary "Saxony Three" stood out. The 3 Pfennig coin in medium carmine red (MiNr. 1b, Plate III) presented an attractive overall appearance despite minor edge flaws. This rarest color nuance of the iconic coin achieved a convincing hammer price of 3000 euros, underscoring its exceptional status.
A highly sought-after 3 Pfennig stamp in dark yellowish-green on a luxury cover (MiNr. 2Id) fetched €1350 for its clear, centered NSt 1 cancellation and pristine condition. This demonstrated the continued high demand for top-quality, unique classic stamps.
A highlight of the auction was a spectacular five-color franking of the coat of arms and head issue with denominations from 3 Pfennig to 3 Ngr on a cover addressed to Milan. This combination, only recently rediscovered after 175 years, was aptly described as a "great rarity in Saxon philately" and fetched 5000 euros.
Also noteworthy was an attractive mixed franking of two 1/2 Ngr values from different head issues as a tête-à-tête on cover. The rare combination was duly recognized with a price of 1600 euros.
Among the joint issues, the numeral value MiNr. 916b, a rare mint condition color stamp, fetched €1350. In the Soviet Occupation Zone (SBZ) section of Berlin-Brandenburg, a color stamp under MiNr. 7Ac waz also made a strong statement: the mint condition 30 Pfennig in blackish-olive-gray was driven to €4100 as a top-tier rarity. Thuringia's 1945 Christmas block special edition, with a significant misprint, climbed to €2900.
Several East German specialties proved highly sought after. Particularly noteworthy were the watermark varieties MiNr. 315XI, which fetched €1800, and MiNr. 357XI, which, despite a minor restriction, achieved a remarkable €2050. Rare printing imprints also found buyers, selling for up to €1150.
The highlight was undoubtedly the Central Courier Service postage stamps. Even the loose, postmarked example 26 Y with the identification letter Y fetched €2250. However, the crowning achievement was the likely unique pair of this type of long-distance letter stamp. This one-of-a-kind item ideally combined rarity, postal use, and documentary quality, achieving an outstanding €4650.
Overall, the auction impressively demonstrated that quality, rarity, and attestation remain crucial factors for top prices. The Dresden auction thus confirmed not only its importance in the auction calendar but also the continued vitality of the philatelic market, from classic stamps to post-war issues.
Michael Burzan, AIJP
