1958 East Germany -German Democratic Republic Schätze der Weltkultur – Greek Grave Relief FDCr | Treasures of World Culture

Here are the updated product descriptions for the three new FDCs with the requested addition of "(East Germany)" alongside the official name "German Democratic Republic (DDR)".

1958 German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Schätze der Weltkultur – Greek Grave Relief First Day Cover | Treasures of World Culture

This elegant 1958 First Day Cover from the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) highlights two stamps from the “Schätze der Weltkultur” (Treasures of World Culture) series, featuring ancient Greek art. With a striking black-and-white cachet of a 5th-century BC Greek grave relief and a special “Saved from the Soviet Union” postmark, it is a culturally significant collectible for art, history, and East German philately enthusiasts.

Key Points:

• Country: German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany)
• Date of Issue: February 12, 1958 (postmark dated 2.12.58)
• City of Cancellation: Special “Schätze der Weltkultur” cancellation
• Stamp Value: 10pf (Greek Head), 20pf (Gigantenkopf from Pergamon Altar)
• Theme: Schätze der Weltkultur (Treasures of World Culture) – Ancient Greek Art
• Historical or Cultural Relevance: Celebrates masterpieces of classical antiquity preserved or returned from the Soviet Union after World War II, reflecting DDR cultural diplomacy
• Estimated Market Value: $7–$18 USD, depending on condition and demand

Product Overview:

This First Day Cover showcases two finely printed stamps depicting ancient Greek sculptures, paired with a large artistic cachet of a classical Greek grave relief from the 5th century BC.

Design Elements:

• Green 10pf stamp featuring a Greek head sculpture
• Red 20pf stamp showing the Gigantenkopf (Giant’s Head) from the Pergamon Altar
• Prominent black-and-white cachet of a Greek grave relief stele with a female figure
• Special circular postmark “Schätze der Weltkultur – Staatliche Museen – Von der Sowjetunion gerettet”
• Addressed to Ing. Günter Matthes in Karl Marx Stadt (Chemnitz)

Appeal to Collectors: Ideal for collectors of art on stamps, classical antiquity themes, and DDR cultural series.

Historical Context:

Issued in 1958 as part of the “Schätze der Weltkultur” series by the Deutsche Post of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), these stamps honored important works of ancient art housed in East German museums. Many such treasures had been taken to the Soviet Union during or after WWII and were later returned, an event highlighted in the special postmark. The series emphasized the DDR’s role in preserving world cultural heritage during the Cold War.

Note: Part of the 1958 DDR Treasures of World Culture series.

Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity: These art-themed FDCs are moderately scarce with the special cancellation intact and are valued for their historical and artistic appeal.

Who Would Be Interested:

• Collectors of art and archaeology on stamps
• Specialists in East German (DDR) cultural and commemorative issues
• Enthusiasts of classical Greek and ancient art philately
• Historians of postwar cultural restitution

Unexpected or Notable Details:

The large, detailed cachet reproduces a complete Greek stele, creating a museum-like presentation that complements the stamps. The postmark explicitly notes the treasures were “saved by the Soviet Union,” reflecting the political narrative of the era. The cover’s journey to Karl Marx Stadt adds a nice personal touch from the DDR period.

Add this rare 1958 German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Schätze der Weltkultur Greek Grave Relief First Day Cover to your collection today!