1958 German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Grosser Preis der DDR – Horse Racing FDC | Sports & Equestrian Series

$7.95

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This dynamic 1958 First Day Cover from the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) celebrates the “Grosser Preis der DDR” horse racing event with a complete set of four attractive equestrian stamps. Featuring a large horse-head cachet and “Ersttagsbrief” lettering, it is a standout piece for sports, horse racing, and East German philately collectors.

Key Points:

Country: German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany)
Date of Issue: 1958 (postmark dated 22.1.58 or related event date)
City of Cancellation: Special racing-related cancellation
Stamp Value: 5pf (grazing horses), 10pf (trotting horse), 20pf (racing horses) – two of each 10pf and 20pf shown
Theme: Grosser Preis der DDR 1958 (Great Prize of the GDR) – Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports
Historical or Cultural Relevance: Promotes equestrian sports and horse breeding in the DDR, reflecting state support for organized sports and traditional rural heritage
Estimated Market Value: $10–$25 USD, depending on condition and demand

Product Overview:

This First Day Cover displays a full set of four stamps from the 1958 Grosser Preis der DDR issue, showcasing different equestrian disciplines, paired with a bold artistic cachet of a horse’s head.

Design Elements:

Green 10pf stamp depicting a trotting horse and sulky
Red 20pf stamp showing jockeys racing on thoroughbreds (two copies)
Black 5pf stamp featuring two horses grazing
Large black-and-white cachet of a detailed horse head with “Grosser Preis der DDR 1958” text
“Ersttagsbrief” and “Mit Luftpost Par Avion” markings

Appeal to Collectors: Highly appealing to horse racing, equestrian, and sports topical collectors, as well as DDR sports issue enthusiasts.

Historical Context:

Issued in 1958 by the Deutsche Post of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to mark the “Grosser Preis der DDR” horse racing event, this series highlighted the country’s growing investment in competitive sports and horse breeding programs. The designs contrast harness racing, flat racing, and pastoral scenes, blending sport with traditional rural imagery. Mailed via airmail to Cleveland, Ohio, it demonstrates international philatelic exchange from the GDR.

Note: Part of the 1958 DDR Sports / Grosser Preis equestrian series.

Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity: Complete sets on First Day Covers with the horse-head cachet are desirable and command a modest premium among sports and animal topical collectors.

Who Would Be Interested:

Horse racing and equestrian stamp collectors
Sports and Olympic-related philatelists
DDR sports and commemorative issue specialists
Thematic collectors of horses and animals on stamps

Unexpected or Notable Details:

The inclusion of both trotting (harness) and galloping (jockey) scenes shows the breadth of equestrian events celebrated. The prominent horse-head cachet creates a strong visual focal point that unifies the cover. The airmail label and address to the USA highlight how these covers reached Western collectors even during the Cold War.

Add this rare 1958 German Democratic Republic (East Germany) Grosser Preis der DDR First Day Cover to your collection today!