Description: This is an official postage stamp (Dienstmarke) issued by the German Democratic Republic (DDR). Printed in a striking bright orange-red ink, the design features the central state emblem—hammer and compass within a wreath of wheat—set against a fine guilloche background. The top text reads "DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK", while the bottom bar displays "DIENSTMARKE" flanked by the 30 Pfennig denomination. Your specimen features a heavy diagonal cancellation.
Circa: 1950s
Condition: Used
Notes:
In the 1956 tariff system, 30 Pfennig was a specific rate used for heavier local administrative letters (between 20g and 250g). Standard letters cost 20 Pfennig, so this orange stamp was used for the thicker, more document-heavy envelopes sent between local government branches.