Russian Civil War Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Russian Civil War (1917-1922) Stamps
The Russian Civil War (1917–1922) involved numerous fragmented territories across Eastern Europe and Asia, lacking a unified postal administration during this tumultuous period. Stamp issues from this era reflect the collapse of the Tsarist Empire and the ensuing conflict between Bolshevik Red forces and various anti-Bolshevik White armies and regional governments. Postal history is characterized by provisional issues, overprints, and local issues often bearing Russian Cyrillic script, reflecting the chaotic political landscape and shifting territorial control. These issues document the temporary sovereignty of various entities before the ultimate establishment of the Soviet Union.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Eastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1917 – 1922
- Languages:
- Russian
- Currency:
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- issuer:russian-civil-war.overview.parentIssuer:
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Stamp Catalogs
Russian Civil War (1917-1922) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Russian Civil War (1917-1922) Stamp Series
Armenian Dashnak Provisional Issues (1919-1920)
Provisional stamps issued by the Armenian Dashnak government, often overprinted on Russian Imperial stamps or featuring local designs.
Denikin's Army Issues (1919-1920)
Stamps issued by the White Army forces under General Denikin in Southern Russia, frequently overprinted on Imperial Russian stamps.
Far Eastern Republic Issues (1920-1922)
Stamps from the short-lived Far Eastern Republic, often featuring unique designs reflecting its distinct political status.
Russian Civil War (1917-1922) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The value of Russian Civil War stamps varies widely. Common provisional issues and overprints can be affordable, while rare local issues, specific overprint varieties, and stamps from short-lived entities can command significant prices. Condition, authenticity, and the specific entity of issue are crucial factors.
How to Identify Russian Civil War (1917-1922) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Russian Civil War (1917-1922) stamps:
- 1 Look for Cyrillic script, often with overprints or surcharges in various fonts and colors.
- 2 Many issues are provisional, meaning they are existing stamps (often Imperial Russian) with new markings.
- 3 Identify the specific issuing authority (e.g., Denikin's Army, Ukraine, Armenia) through inscriptions or overprint details.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Russian Civil War stamps?
Russian Civil War stamps are postal issues from the tumultuous period between 1917 and 1922, reflecting the fragmented territories and numerous governments (Bolshevik, White Army, regional entities) that emerged after the collapse of the Russian Empire. They are often provisional issues, overprints, or local stamps.
Are Russian Civil War stamps valuable?
The value of Russian Civil War stamps varies greatly. While many common provisional issues are affordable, rare local issues, specific overprint varieties, and stamps from short-lived or obscure entities can be highly valuable, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. Condition and authenticity are key determinants of value.
How can I identify Russian Civil War stamps?
To identify Russian Civil War stamps, look for Cyrillic inscriptions, often with overprints or surcharges. Many are provisional issues on Imperial Russian stamps. Identifying the specific issuing authority (e.g., Denikin's Army, Ukraine, Far Eastern Republic) is crucial. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamp to known issues and provide more information.
Which catalogs list Russian Civil War stamps?
Russian Civil War stamps are extensively listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. Specialized catalogs focusing on Russian and Eastern European philately also provide detailed listings and varieties for this complex period.
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