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Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Greenland Stamps

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Author: Emil Drkusic
Date: 27/10/2024

We have already examined the rarest stamps from numerous countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Israel, the Vatican, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, the USA, Monaco, the Falkland Islands, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Malta, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. Today, we turn our attention to Greenland's philatelic history, focusing on its most valuable and sought-after stamps, including early and significant issues.

The Postal History of Greenland

Greenland’s history is closely tied to the Scandinavian nations, particularly Norway and Denmark. From 1262, Greenland became part of the Old Kingdom of Norway during the union with Norway. This connection laid the foundation for centuries of political and cultural influence from Scandinavia. “In 1721 a joint mercantile and clerical expedition led by Dano-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede was sent to Greenland, not knowing whether a Norse civilization remained there. This expedition is part of the Dano-Norwegian colonization of the Americas.” (en.wikipedia.org) Greenland was formally ceded to Denmark on January 14, 1814. Significant changes occurred on May 1, 1979, with the introduction of the Home Rule Act, granting Greenland limited autonomy, primarily in managing its internal affairs. A further step was taken in 2009 with the implementation of the Self-Government Act, which recognized Greenlanders as a distinct people and granted them control over judicial affairs, policing, and natural resources, further advancing their path toward greater self-governance.

Greenland Parcel Stamps 1905 - 1938

Parcel Stamps 1905 - 1938

Greenland – 1905-1938

Considering this, it is evident that Greenland has been, and continues to be, under Danish sovereignty. This political relationship has naturally influenced its postal system as well. “Prior to 1938 there was little or no necessity for stamps since mail went to Denmark free of charge. Parcel stamps were issued from 1905 to 1938 and were withdrawn when ordinary postage stamps were introduced.” - scandps.org.uk

Greenland First Stamps

The first stamp series of the Greenland Post Office

King Christian X in full-dress admiral’s uniform was portrayed against a background of icebergs (1 to 20øre) while a polar bear was shown on higher values (20øre to 1 krone).

Greenland – 1938/12/01

“September 1938 a notice, No. 326, was forwarded, and published in the Official Gazette on 31st October 1938. By Executive Order, inter alia:

“From this provision it comes into force that the assessors of Greenland’s Governing post record that messages sent from Greenland to Denmark and abroad shall be stamped with Greenland stamps”.

With effect from December 1st 1938, The Greenland Post Office became a member of The Universal Postal Union and on the same day, the Postal Service’s sales office for stamp collectors, at Bernstorffgade 32, Copenhagen K, started selling the new Greenlandic stamps.” - scandps.org.uk

It is noteworthy that one of the motifs featured on the first Greenlandic stamps was King Christian X, who reigned as the King of Denmark from 1912 until his death in 1947.

For further reading on this topic, please refer to Greenland Postal History 1938-1985.

Most Valuable Greenland Stamp

We have examined the first Greenland stamps. Now, we will explore some of the most valuable stamps from Greenland. All three sets originate from the same era, and their value has been established through various auctions and sales -> Cherrystone Auctions, October 31-November 1, 2012.

1945 Liberation of Denmark Greenland Stamps

1945 Liberation of Denmark, set of nine, many with sheet margin

Greenland - 1945

Estimated value: 450 USD (Cherrystone Auctions, October 31-November 1, 2012)

The first two sets of stamps are associated with the liberation of Denmark in 1945. They feature overprints on existing pictorial issues from 1938 to 1944, with the text “DENMARK BEFREIT 5 MAJ 1945” (Denmark liberated on May 5, 1945) prominently displayed. These overprinted stamps are available in various denominations, ranging from 1 ore to 5 kroner, and they also exist in several different colors.

1945 Liberation of Denmark Greenland Stamps

1945 Liberation of Denmark, set of six overprinted in alternate colors

Greenland - 1945

Estimated value: 1.400 USD (Cherrystone Auctions, October 31-November 1, 2012)

Certainly, the liberation of Denmark is a significant historical event. However, in a philatelic context, it also holds considerable value. For collectors specializing in Nordic philately who are seeking rare and valuable items, these stamps are an exceptional find.

1945 Liberation of Denmark Greenland Stamps

1945 Issue, plate proofs on card, the complete set of 15 (nine frame only and six center only)

Greenland - 1945

Estimated value: 3.000 USD (Cherrystone Auctions, October 31-November 1, 2012)

In conclusion, we will discuss the most valuable Greenland stamps we have identified. Notably, these are plate proofs issued by the American Bank Note Company. “The 1945 American Bank Note Company Imperforate Proofs (Set of 15) refers to a special set of imperforate stamp proofs produced by the American Bank Note Company for Greenland.” - Cherrystone Auctions

If you’d like to learn more about rare and valuable Greenland stamps, be sure to check out these two videos:

Today, we explored some of the most valuable Greenland stamps. We encourage you to follow us for more articles in this series, which will be published soon. In the meantime, feel free to browse our previous articles to continue your philatelic journey.

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UK - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable UK Stamps

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New Zealand - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable New Zealand Stamps

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Monaco - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Monaco Stamps

Falkland Islands - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Falkland Islands Stamps

Greece - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Stamps of Greece

Austria - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Austrian Stamps

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Liechtenstein - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Liechtenstein Stamps

Norway - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Norwegian Stamps

Iceland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Icelandic Stamps

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