Finland issued several definitive stamp series between 1889 and 1902 while it was an autonomous grand duchy under imperial Russian rule. Here are some key details about Finnish stamps from that period:
1889-1892 Coat of Arms Issue:
- First set of stamps inscribed “FINLAND” for the Grand Duchy
- Designs featured the Finnish lion coat of arms
- Values ranged from 5 penni to 1 markka
- Printed using typographic methods
1891 Issue for Russian Forerunners:
- A short-lived issue made for use on Russian mail prior to receiving Finnish stamps
- Featured the Russian imperial coat of arms and inscriptions
- Values from 7 kopeks to 1 ruble
- Used on mail originating in Finland but sent through the Russian empire
1900-1901 New Currency Issue:
- Introduced after Finland adopted the markka/penni currency in 1892
- Coat of arms designs similar to 1889 issue but new denominations
- Values from 5 penni to 10 markka
- Also included new printing methods like typography and engraving
1902 Issue:
- New coat of arms design depicting the Finnish lion in a crowned shield
- Values from 10 penni to 10 markka
- Printed using engraved plates in different colors
These early 20th century definitive stamp series mark an important era in Finnish philately. They represent Finland’s developing postal services and autonomy under Russian rule before the country’s full independence in 1917. Many are bi-lingual with both Finnish and Russian inscriptions.
For collectors, these 1889-1902 Finnish issues are significant classics featuring the coat of arms emblems and showcasing the evolution of stamp production methods at the time. They document a nation’s proud heritage through its postage stamps.
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