East Karjala Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About East Karjala (Olonets Government) Stamps
East Karjala, a region historically situated in Eastern Fennoscandia, straddles the border area between modern-day Finland and Russia. Its postal history is complex, reflecting periods of Russian Imperial, Finnish, and Soviet administration, often resulting in provisional or overprinted issues during times of shifting control. Stamps from this region frequently feature Cyrillic or Finnish script, depending on the governing authority at the time of issue. The area's fluctuating political status, particularly during the early 20th century, led to distinct and often short-lived postal entities.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Northern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1920
- Languages:
- Finnish, Russian
- Currency:
- Finnish Markka
- Parent issuer:
- Russia
Stamp Catalogs
East Karjala (Olonets Government) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular East Karjala (Olonets Government) Stamp Series
Olonets Provisional Issues (1919)
Stamps issued by the Olonets Government during the Finnish intervention in East Karelia, often overprinted on Russian Imperial stamps.
North Ingrian Issues (1919-1920)
Though distinct, these issues are often collected alongside East Karjala due to similar political circumstances and Finnish involvement.
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East Karjala (Olonets Government) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value is highly dependent on condition, specific overprint varieties, and whether they are on cover. Forgeries and reprints exist, requiring expert authentication.
How to Identify East Karjala (Olonets Government) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying East Karjala (Olonets Government) stamps:
- 1 Look for Cyrillic inscriptions, often with Finnish overprints (e.g., 'Aunus' or 'Olonets').
- 2 Many issues are overprints on Russian Imperial stamps, so familiarity with those base stamps is helpful.
- 3 Pay attention to the specific type and color of the overprint, as varieties can be significant.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are East Karjala stamps?
East Karjala stamps refer to the provisional issues released by the short-lived Olonets Government in East Karelia (a region between Finland and Russia) during the Finnish intervention in the Russian Civil War, primarily in 1919. These stamps often consist of Russian Imperial issues overprinted with Finnish text.
Are East Karjala stamps valuable?
Yes, many East Karjala stamps can be valuable, especially those in good condition, rare overprint varieties, or those on original covers. Prices for common issues might range from €5 to €50, while rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Expert authentication is often recommended due to the existence of forgeries.
How can I identify East Karjala stamps?
East Karjala stamps are typically identified by their base Russian Imperial design, often featuring Cyrillic script, with additional overprints in Finnish (e.g., 'Aunus' or 'Olonets'). The specific type, color, and position of these overprints are crucial for identification. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamps to catalog entries and learn more about their specific characteristics.
Which catalogs list East Karjala stamps?
East Karjala stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on the various issues, overprint types, and estimated values.
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