Grodno Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Grodno (Local Issues) Stamps
Grodno, historically a significant city in Eastern Europe, is situated in the modern-day Republic of Belarus, a region that has experienced complex geopolitical shifts. Its postal history is deeply intertwined with the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, seeing periods under the Russian Empire, the Second Polish Republic, and later Soviet administration. Stamps issued for this region often reflect the linguistic diversity of its past, featuring Polish, Russian, or Belarusian inscriptions depending on the governing power at the time. The administrative transitions through various empires and successor states heavily influenced the issuance and design of its postal materials.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1919 – 1919
- Languages:
- Polish, Russian
- Currency:
- PLN
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Stamp Catalogs
Grodno (Local Issues) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Grodno (Local Issues) Stamp Series
Grodno Local Issues (1919)
Stamps issued by the local Polish administration in Grodno during the Polish-Soviet War, overprinted on Russian imperial stamps.
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Grodno (Local Issues) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on or off cover. Forgeries and reprints exist, so expertization is recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Grodno (Local Issues) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Grodno (Local Issues) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'GRODNO' overprints, often in various styles and colors, on Russian imperial definitive stamps.
- 2 Examine the underlying Russian stamp for its original denomination and design.
- 3 Be aware of different types of overprints and potential forgeries; consult specialized catalogs.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grodno stamps?
Grodno stamps refer to local provisional issues released in 1919 in the city of Grodno (now in Belarus) during the Polish-Soviet War. These were typically Russian imperial stamps overprinted with 'GRODNO' by the local Polish administration to meet postal needs.
Are Grodno stamps valuable?
Some Grodno stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprint varieties, stamps on cover, or those with specific errors. Common examples might range from €5-€50, while rare items can fetch hundreds of euros. Condition and authenticity are crucial factors in determining value.
How can I identify Grodno stamps?
To identify Grodno stamps, look for the 'GRODNO' overprint on Russian imperial stamps. Pay attention to the style, color, and position of the overprint. Comparing them with catalog images and using a stamp identifier app can help confirm their authenticity and specific variety.
Which catalogs list Grodno stamps?
Grodno local issues are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Poland or local issues), Michel (under Poland or Belarus local issues), and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs for Polish or Russian local issues may also provide more detailed listings.
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