Developed in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group's brand management and merchandise division, the stamp will be available from 5 September at selected postal retail outlets, in the online store or by telephone from Deutsche Post's order service (tel.: +49 (0)961 - 3818 - 3818). Deutsche Post's philately shops, online store and order service also sell stamp-related products, while the online store and order service will additionally be offering a gold, limited edition of the stamp, comprising a stamp from an exclusive consecutive run of 1 to 1,000, along with an image of the stamp made of real gold in a high-quality hardcover presentation case. With a postage value of €0.85, the stamp can be used to frank items such as a standard letter (up to 20g in weight) within Germany. The stamp is officially issued by the German Ministry of Finance.

Mercury's distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence and remarkable compositions cemented his status as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music. Among the milestones in his performing career was Queen's spectacular 20-minute set for Live Aid at London's Wembley Stadium in 1985. The appearance is widely regarded not only as the highlight of the benefit concert, but as the best live music performance of all time.

Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara on 5 September 1946 on the African island of Zanzibar and died on 24 November 1991, aged just forty-five. His ashes were scattered at an undisclosed location.