Due to insufficient adhesion of the color (dark purple ultramarine), the 80 Pfennig definitive stamp "Ernst Thälmann" of the “Heads” series issued at the end of 1952 was coated with lacquer in March 1953 and delivered to some post offices. In the process, it was overlooked that, according to an existing regulation, lacquer-coated stamps were invalid because cancellations did not adhere sufficiently. The stamps were therefore withdrawn from sale on March 21, 1953 and became invalid as of April 15, 1953.

In addition to the 44.374 stamps sold, another 100.000 stamps were exported and yet another 16.000 were subsequently given to collectors. Another 100.000 stamps were deposited in the archives of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. On April 16, 1953 an image-identical 80 Pfennig definitive stamp in the color brown-crimson was issued.

Registered letter within the GDR. The laqcuer stamp used for postage way past its validity (September 1, 1953 vs. April 15, 1953). WIth blue marking indicated as invalid. Valid replacement stamp with same face value (80 Pfennig) used instead.