Bavaria 1 Kreuzer (1849) — First German Stamp
The Bavaria 1 Kreuzer black, nicknamed the Schwarzer Einser (Black One), was issued on 1 November 1849 and was the first postage stamp of Bavaria and of any German state. It is printed in black with a large numeral 1 at the center and is imperforate.
Bavaria 1 Kreuzer (Schwarzer Einser), 1849. Johann Peter Haseney (design). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
How to identify the Schwarzer Einser
Look for a small black stamp dominated by a large numeral 1 in the center, surrounded by an oval frame carrying the inscription. The design was typographed (letterpress) and the stamp is imperforate, so genuine copies have plain cut edges rather than perforation teeth. The value is one Kreuzer, the currency unit of the Kingdom of Bavaria at the time.
Genuine examples have been heavily studied, including their plates, paper and cancellations, so authentication relies on margins, the precise character of the impression, paper, and the type of postmark. Because the Schwarzer Einser is a famous and valuable classic, forgeries and reprints are common; large clear margins, a clean strike and the correct printing characteristics all matter, and high-value copies should be checked by an expert.
History
Bavaria introduced the 1 Kreuzer on 1 November 1849, making it the earliest adhesive postage stamp issued anywhere in the German lands, following the pioneering Penny Black of Britain a few years earlier. At this date there was no unified Germany; the German Empire was not founded until 1871, and Bavaria was an independent kingdom that ran its own postal service.
The Schwarzer Einser became a cornerstone of German philately and remains one of the most recognized German classics. Its early date, its status as a national first, and the depth of scholarship around its plates and cancellations have kept it in steady demand among collectors of German states material.
Estimated value
Value spans a broad range: well-used examples are obtainable by collectors, while sound, well-margined copies or those with specially plated or scarce cancellations command strong premiums. Forgeries and reprints are common, so verify authenticity before paying classic prices.
Free · iOS & Android
Identify your own stamps in seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first German stamp?
The Bavaria 1 Kreuzer black, issued on 1 November 1849, was the first postage stamp of Bavaria and of any German state. It predates the unified German Empire, which was founded in 1871.
What does Schwarzer Einser mean?
Schwarzer Einser is German for 'Black One.' It refers to the 1849 Bavaria 1 Kreuzer stamp, which is printed in black and features a large numeral 1 at the center.
How can I tell if my Bavaria 1 Kreuzer is genuine?
Check that it is imperforate with plain cut edges, printed in black with a large central numeral 1, and shows the correct typographed impression, paper and cancellation. Because forgeries and reprints are common, valuable copies should be authenticated by a philatelic expert.
How much is the Bavaria 1 Kreuzer worth?
Values vary widely. Well-used examples are obtainable, while sound, well-margined copies or those with scarce or specially plated cancellations command strong premiums. Forgeries are common, so verify authenticity before buying.
Is it the same as the Penny Black?
No. The Penny Black was Britain's first stamp, issued in 1840. The Bavaria 1 Kreuzer of 1849 was the first stamp of Bavaria and any German state. Both are early black classics but are separate issues from different countries.