Russia year 1866 stamps 30k Vertically Laid Paper MI 23y

Russia year 1866 stamps 30k Vertically Laid Paper MI 23y

In 1866, the Russian Empire issued a series of postage stamps known as the “Arms Issue.” These stamps featured the coat of arms of the Russian Empire and were printed in various denominations to cover different postal rates.

The Arms Issue stamps of 1866 were notable for several reasons:

1. Design: The stamps featured the imperial Russian coat of arms, consisting of a double-headed eagle with outstretched wings, holding scepters and other regal symbols. The design was intricate and detailed, reflecting the heraldic traditions of the Russian Empire.
2. Denominations: The stamps were issued in various denominations, including 1 kopek, 3 kopeks, 5 kopeks, 10 kopeks, and 20 kopeks, to accommodate different postal rates for domestic and international mail.
3. Printing Methods: The stamps were printed using typography, with the designs engraved onto printing plates and then transferred onto sheets of paper. They were typically issued imperforate, meaning they had to be cut apart by hand before use.
4. Usage: The Arms Issue stamps of 1866 were widely used for postage throughout the Russian Empire during the late 19th century. They facilitated communication and commerce within the vast territories of the empire, from the western regions of Europe to the far reaches of Siberia and Central Asia.

The Arms Issue stamps of 1866 are significant not only for their practical role in the postal system but also for their historical and cultural importance as artifacts of the Russian Empire. They are highly collectible among philatelists and enthusiasts of Russian postal history, valued for their design, rarity, and role in documenting the empire’s rich heritage.