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Russia and the former Soviet Union (USSR) have a rich and diverse history of postage stamps that spans over a century, covering the Imperial Russian period, the Soviet era, and modern Russian Federation issues. Each period of stamp issuance reflects the dramatic political, social, and cultural changes the country experienced.

1. Imperial Russia Postage Stamps (Pre-1917)

  • First Russian Stamp: Issued on December 10, 1857.
    • Design: Featured the imperial coat of arms, with an eagle and the crown symbolizing the Russian Empire.
    • Value: The first stamp was denominated at 10 kopecks.
    • Themes: Early stamps prominently displayed the imperial insignia and the coat of arms.
  • Tsarist Influence: As was common in many monarchies, stamps of Imperial Russia often featured symbols of the ruling dynasty, the House of Romanov.
  • Variety: Different colours and overprints, especially during times of monetary inflation or postal rate changes, became significant in the later part of the imperial period.

2. Soviet Union (USSR) Postage Stamps (1917–1991)

After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the Russian Empire was replaced by the Soviet Union. The postage stamps of the USSR became a key tool for promoting socialist ideology and celebrating the achievements of the state.

Early Soviet Stamps (1917–1920s)

  • First Soviet Stamp: Issued in 1918, after the October Revolution.
    • Design: Featured the hammer and sickle, the new symbols of Soviet power, along with early depictions of workers and peasants.
  • Overprints: During the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), stamps were often overprinted with the words “RSFSR” (Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic), as well as denominations to reflect the new currency system.
  • Provisional Issues: Some early stamps were simply overprints of Tsarist-era stamps, as new designs were still being prepared.

Key Themes in Soviet Stamps

  • Communist Ideology: Stamps frequently depicted Lenin, Marx, and Stalin, emphasizing the state’s ideological foundation. Later stamps also featured revolutionary events and symbols like the hammer and sickle, and red star.
  • Space Exploration: The USSR was the first country to send a human into space, and this achievement was celebrated extensively on stamps. The Yuri Gagarin space flight in 1961 became one of the most iconic themes in Soviet philately.
  • Military and War Commemoration: Soviet stamps paid tribute to victories in World War II (known as the Great Patriotic War), military heroes, and anniversaries of key battles.
  • Industry and Agriculture: Stamps celebrated industrialization, collective farming, and the Soviet five-year plans. Tractors, factories, dams, and workers often appeared.
  • Cultural and Scientific Achievements: Prominent Soviet authors, artists, scientists, and explorers were regularly featured, showcasing the state’s cultural prestige.

Notable Series and Stamps

  • 1923 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Formation Stamp: The first stamp marking the creation of the USSR in 1922, featuring a peasant, worker, and soldier.
  • 1931 Stratospheric Balloon Flights: Celebrating early Soviet scientific achievements in atmospheric exploration.
  • 1945 Victory in WWII Series: A commemorative series that honoured Soviet victories and the end of World War II.
  • Space Race Stamps: Celebrating Soviet achievements in space, including the launch of the first satellite Sputnik (1957) and the first manned space flight by Yuri Gagarin (1961).

3. Modern Russian Federation Stamps (Post-1991)

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian Federation began issuing its own stamps. These stamps reflect a shift away from communist symbolism toward celebrating Russian history, culture, and national pride.

Key Themes in Modern Russian Stamps

  • Historical Figures: Stamps feature famous Russian figures, including Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and prominent cultural figures like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
  • National Landmarks: Many stamps showcase Russia’s architectural and natural beauty, including famous sites like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Winter Palace.
  • Anniversaries and Celebrations: Stamps mark national holidays, anniversaries of significant events like the Russian Revolution, and other historical milestones.
  • Modern Achievements: Russia’s achievements in science, technology, and sports (like the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics) are also common themes.

Definitive and Commemorative Issues

  • Modern Russian stamps come in both definitive (for regular use) and commemorative series, with the latter being released for special occasions or events.
  • Flora and Fauna: Modern stamps often depict native Russian wildlife and landscapes, including rare and endangered species.
  • Space Exploration Continuation: Russia’s space legacy continues to be celebrated, with stamps honouring cosmonauts and achievements in space travel.