This striking red Deutsches Reich stamp from 1923 belongs to Germany’s hyperinflation period, when postal rates changed almost daily. The original 500 Mark stamp was overprinted with “Danzig” in bold Gothic script to serve the Free City of Danzig after it separated from Germany under the Treaty of Versailles. Overprinted issues like this one were used temporarily until Danzig began printing its own definitive series.

Such overprints are highly sought by collectors for their historical connection to both post-WWI economic turmoil and the early postal autonomy of Danzig. Variations in font style, angle, and ink intensity are of special philatelic interest.