Two Millennia of History: 2000 Years of Bonn

This official Ersttagsblatt (3/1989) celebrates the milestone anniversary of 2000 Years of Bonn. Issued by the Deutsche Bundespost on January 12, 1989, the 80 Pfennig stamp features a panoramic view of the city's skyline, blending its ancient foundations with its then-status as the federal capital of West Germany.

The detailed historical text on the reverse outlines the city's journey through time:

Ancient Origins: The city traces its documented history back to 11 BC when the Roman general Drusus established a fortification on the Rhine.

A City of Residences: Bonn flourished as the residence of the Prince-Electors of Cologne, who transformed the city with grand Baroque buildings like the Poppelsdorf Palace and the main university building.

Cultural Hub: The city is famously the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and has hosted prestigious thinkers including Heinrich Heine and Karl Marx at its renowned university.

Political Heart: Following WWII, Bonn was chosen as the provisional capital of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, a role it held during the release of this stamp.

Artistic Design: The stamp and the specialized first-day cancellation from Bonn were designed by Professor Peter Steiner. The postmark depicts a vessel from the collection of the Academic Art Museum in Bonn.