Caroline Islands

1901 3pf brown and 5pf green

Quick History
The Caroline Islands ("Karolinen" in German), is an  archipelago of over 500 small islands 1200 miles apart in the west Pacific Ocean north of New Guinea.  In 1899, Spain sold the Islands to Germany, which administered them as a German Colony along with German New Guinea. Stamps were produced for "Karolinen" from 1900-1919. The population was reported to be 40,000 in 1915.  Japan occupied the Islands in 1914, and after WWI, received a Mandate in 1920 from the League of Nations. After WWII, the Islands became Trust Territories of the United States. Finally. the Islands gained their independence. The eastern portion became part of the Federated States of Micronesia (1986), and the western portion became part of Palau (1994).

1900 Scott 1 3pf dark brown

Stamps of Germany 1889-90 Overprinted in Black

Overprinted at 56 degree Angle

Into the Deep Blue - a closer look
100 Pfennig = 1 Mark

1900 Scott 4 20pf ultramarine

Stamps of Germany 1889-90 Overprinted in Black

Overprinted at 56 degree Angle

The first issue for the Caroline Islands consisted of 1899-1900 stamps of Germany that were overprinted "Karolinen" in black at an angle.

The 1900 six stamp issue (major numbers) were overprinted at a 56 degree angle. They are the more common variety, and the CV ranges from $10+ to $50+. "Used" is valued at a slightly higher CV than "unused".

But there was a minor number issue, also with the same six denomination stamps, that has a 48 degree angle, and was released in 1899.  CV is much higher, ranging from $60+ to $1,600+ (unused).

1901 Scott 12 30pf orange & black 

Kaiser Yacht "Hohenzollern"

The 1901 issue consisted of thirteen stamps, and has the familiar "Kaiser Yacht" design seen with German colonies of the time. This issue is unwatermarked.   CV is relatively modest for unused, with a CV of $1+ to $10 for twelve stamps. Only the 5m denomination stamp lies outside with a CV of $160.

I should mention that there is a rarity for the Caroline island:  Issued on July 12, 1910, a 5pg (from a handstamp) surcharging a 3pf brown. CV today? $5,500!

Through stamp collecting, the Kaiser's yacht "Hohenzollern" sails again!

Big Blue Picture
Big Blue '97 on two rows of one page has 7 stamp spaces. the 2011 Scott Classic specialized catalogue has 23 major stamp descriptions. Coverage by Big Blue is 30%.

The one illustrated stamp space for the "1889" issue presents two problems.

First, the illustration cut is unclear to me if it represents the Scott 1 3pf ($10+) or Scott 2 5pf ($10+). Generally, the '97 edition stamp cut illustrations are often over-dark, so I am in the habit of checking the other editions. But that didn't help here. I chose the 3pf.

Second,  The 1899 issue was overprinted at a 48 degree angle (Scott 1a-6a); while the 1900 production was overprinted at a 56 degree angle (Scott1-6). Big Blue labels the one illustrated stamp space "1899", but it is clearly a 1900 issue with the overprinted 56 degree angle. Good thing, as the 1899 issue stamps are quite expensive.

If one is interested in  Additionals....
The 1899 issue with the 48 degree angle overprint issue is expensive: $60+ at least, so not a good candidate for BB.

The 1900 issue with the 56 degree overprint has Scott 2($10+) and Scott 3($10+); which might be acceptable if one is interested in German Colony stamps.

1900-15 Kaiser's Yacht "Hohenzollern"
13,14,15,16,($1+-$3+)

Big Blue Checklist
1899 overprinted "Karolinen" German 1889-90 stamps
Scott 1 3pf dark brown($10+)
Note: See discussion in Big Blue Picture section.

1900-15 Kaiser's Yacht "Hohenzollern"
7,8,9,10,($1+)
Two blanks spaces: suggest 11 and 12 ($1+)

The Caroline Islands

Kinds of Blue
The '41,'47,'69, and '97 are all identical in content.

Big Blue Bottom Line
An interesting history/geography lesson, and a refreshing change from the British/French/Portuguese/Spanish colonies. Four additional stamps in the "Hohenzollern" series can be picked up for $1+-$2+.

Note: Map in public domain.