U.S. #920
5¢ Flag of Denmark
Overrun Countries Series
Issue Date: December 7, 1943
City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity: 14,999,646
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Printing Method: Flat-Plate
Perforations: 12
Color: Blue violet, red, and black
U.S. #920 is part of the Overrun Countries Series, which honors each of the nations invaded by Axis powers during World War II. It pictures the flag of Denmark, which features a white Scandinavian cross on a red background. Adopted in the 14th century, it is the oldest state flag still being used by an independent nation.
Denmark and World War II
Denmark has been a monarchy for several centuries. Because of its location, with only one entrance onto mainland Europe, Denmark has enjoyed a very stable history. During the days of the Vikings, Denmark was a country of great power, led by King Harold Bluetooth.
On April 9, 1940, Germany invaded Denmark in an event code-named Operation Weserübung. Denmark was only able to resist German forces for two hours before the Danish government was forced to surrender. Denmark cooperated with Germany until 1943, when the Danish sunk many of their own ships and sent as many officers as possible to Sweden. Within Denmark, the Danish sabotaged several German facilities before the war’s end. After the war, Denmark was among the founding members of the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
These Stamps Brought Hope to Overrun Countries of WW II
After receiving several designs from artists who felt the current U.S. postage stamps were unattractive, President Franklin Roosevelt began to consider the types of stamps he wanted to issue. He sought to show the world that America was in this war to achieve world peace, not military dominance. With this in mind, the President suggested the U.S. issue a series of stamps picturing the flags of all the overrun nations in Europe.
In the border surrounding each flag, Roosevelt suggested picturing the Phoenix – an ancient symbol of rebirth. He believed “It might tell those suffering victims in Europe that we are struggling for their own regeneration.” The other side of each flag pictured a kneeling woman “breaking the shackles of oppression.”
When the time came to print the stamps, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing was unable to print the multiple colors needed for each flag, so the American Bank Note Company received a special contract for this series.
Additionally, a 5¢ denomination – the foreign rate for first class postage – was chosen so the stamps could be used on overseas mail. The stamps were printed in relatively small quantities and were in high demand as soon as they were issued, with stocks across the country running out almost as soon as they were released.