What can Be Done: Hannover is one of the more interesting of the German States to collect. The number of stamps issued is manageable (there are 29 stamps as listed by Scott), and none of them are particularly expensive or rare. What is appealing about specializing in Hannover is that it offers a very varied philatelic experience. The stamps are issued both imperforate and with roulettes. The first issues were printed with overprinted burlage-printed netting that was supposed to make counterfeiting more difficult. The burlage comes in two distinct types and there are varieties. The roulettes are interesting too.
The most fascinating part of collecting the stamps of Hannover is how many of the different aspects of classic philately are available to you at such a modest cost. Hannover issued a plentiful number of most of their stamps which makes completing the country not too difficult. Most of the stamps sell for under $25 each. And then there are varieties galore. But the varieties of Hannover are not usually rare and can be found with a diligent search, usually at a price not too different from the price of the same stamp without variety. If you want the experience of classic stamp collecting at a good price, Hannover would be a good place to start.
Specialized Catalogs: Michel is the standard specialized catalog for all of the German area. The Scott Classic catalog is very good too. It is in English and is the catalog that most American collectors use to collect Hannover.
Specialized Albums: There are no specific albums for just Hannover—or indeed for any of the German States. All of the five major album makers who make German States albums make a specialty album which encompasses all of the German States. Lighthouse is the best album, followed by the other two German album produces—Lindner and Safe. The Dutch album manufacturer, Davo, makes a nice German States album. The lowest quality album of all is the Scott Specialty series. Even though the Scott album is not great, it is good enough, and the stamps are mounted in Scott number order, which is how most Americans buy them.
Availability of Material: One of the main reasons that collecting Hannover can be so much fun is how easy it is to find scarce material. The main stamps are all obtainable. But there are usually numerous specialty offerings of Hannover. It is fun to collect the many varieties, shades, and even blocks and covers. More so that most other areas that are avidly collected for the first years of stamp issuance, Hannover seems to have good amounts of this scarcer type of material available. Collectors like varieties but seem to lose interest if it’s too hard to find anything new for their collections. Hannover will never bore you.
Expense: Considering that it is an avidly collected area and one of the earliest issuing classic countries, the stamps and covers of Hannover are surprisingly affordable. Only one or two stamps sell for more than a hundred dollars and most for under $25. Remember that Hannover, like the classic stamps of most countries, can be purchased at significant discounts from catalog value if you are willing to accept a tiny, barely visible fault. A little thin or light crease on an otherwise perfect specimen can reduce the selling price of a classic by as much as 80%. Sure, when you go to sell, you’ll get less for your less than perfect stamps. But you’ll be into them for far less too. And all the while you will have been able to afford far more stamps for your collection.
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Overall Grade: A