On 1 April 1905, Deutsch-Ostafrika switched from using Rupie/Pesa currency to Rupie/Heller currency. To avoid wasting remaining stocks of Pesa-valued stamps, several locations continued using them after 1 April 1905, but handwrote the new Heller values on the face of the stamps. As this was done by various clerks at various locations, numerous handwritings exist.

Shortly thereafter, handstamps were created to change the values of the stamps. These are known in three types:

• Type I – Small print in a single line, line through previous value
• Type II – Small print in a single line, triangles in corners
• Type III – Large print in two lines

The 0.25 Rupien on 16 Pesa value can be found with an inverted overprint.