Russia year 1922/23 stamps Surcharged stamps for the Famine Victims
In 1922 and 1923, Russia issued several sets of stamps to raise funds for famine relief during a severe famine that affected millions of people, primarily in the Volga region. These stamps were part of an international effort to address the humanitarian crisis.
The famine, which began due to a series of poor harvests, was exacerbated by the political and economic turmoil following the Russian Revolution. By the summer of 1921, the famine had reached catastrophic levels, prompting the Soviet government to seek international assistance. Various international organizations and governments, including the American Relief Administration led by Herbert Hoover, provided significant aid (Wikipedia) (Cambridge).
The famine relief stamps, issued between 1921 and 1923, were intended to generate funds to support relief efforts. These stamps typically featured overprints or specific designs related to the famine and were sold at a premium over their face value to raise additional funds. Notable examples include stamps with overprints indicating they were for famine relief and those depicting symbols of aid (eBay) (eBay).
These stamps are now sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and the humanitarian cause they supported. They represent a critical moment in early Soviet history and the international community’s response to one of the 20th century’s most severe famines. If you are interested in acquiring these stamps, they are available through various philatelic dealers and auction sites (eBay) (eBay).
