Description: This small, minimalist blue-and-white postal tax stamp features a distinctively utilitarian graphic layout split cleanly into three horizontal typography zones. The top line displays the capitalized word "NOTOPFER" (meaning emergency tax or sacrifice), while the lower solid bar frames the descriptive text "STEUERMARKE" (tax stamp). The prominent central pane highlights a large, white outlined numeric value "2" nested directly alongside the targeted capital destination "BERLIN". This design completely omits traditional national or sovereign imagery, prioritizing pure fiscal function. This specific circulated piece exhibits sharp comb perforations on the outer boundaries and is struck on the left side with a partial black post office cancellation bar.
Circa: 1948
Condition: Used
Notes:
Because of its exceptionally tiny size (roughly 22 x 13 mm) and standard blue color, collectors often affectionately refer to this issue as the "Blue Flea" (Blauer Floh).
This was not a regular postage stamp. It was a mandatory tax stamp introduced by West Germany during the Berlin Blockade (1948–1949). Nearly every domestic letter sent within West Germany required this extra 2 Pfennig stamp to raise economic relief funds for the struggling citizens of West Berlin.