Tannu Touva Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Tannu Touva Stamps
Tannu Tuva, officially the Tuvan People's Republic, was a remote, landlocked state situated in Central Asia, bordering the Soviet Union and Outer Mongolia. Its brief but vibrant postal history, spanning from 1921 to 1944, reflects its status as a Soviet satellite state, issuing stamps that often depicted local life and political themes, primarily in the Cyrillic script. The Tuvan postal system operated independently of the Universal Postal Union, leading to unique issues that ceased upon its formal annexation by the Soviet Union. Stamps from this era are notable for their distinct political context and geographical isolation.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- Central Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1926 – 1943
- Languages:
- Tuvan, Russian
- Currency:
- SUR
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Stamp Catalogs
Tannu Touva stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Tannu Touva Stamp Series
First Definitive Series (1926-1927)
The inaugural set featuring local scenes, animals, and symbols of the new republic, often crudely printed.
Airmail Issues (1931-1936)
Stamps specifically for airmail, often depicting airplanes or local motifs, highly sought after by collectors.
Soviet Influence Issues (1933-1943)
Later issues showing increasing Soviet influence, with portraits of leaders and propaganda themes, printed in Moscow.
Tannu Touva Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially those with local printing errors or rare cancellations, can be quite valuable. Later issues printed in Moscow are generally more common but still hold collector interest due to the unique history. Complete sets and covers are highly desirable.
How to Identify Tannu Touva Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Tannu Touva stamps:
- 1 Look for Cyrillic inscriptions, often including 'Tuvinskaya Narodnaya Respublika' (Tuvan People's Republic) or 'Tannu Tuva'.
- 2 Early stamps have a distinct, often rough, printing quality. Later issues are more refined, reflecting Soviet printing standards.
- 3 Many stamps feature local animals (camels, yaks), traditional life, or political figures.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tannu Touva stamps?
Tannu Touva stamps were issued by the Tuvan People's Republic, a remote, landlocked state in Central Asia, between 1926 and 1943. These stamps reflect the nation's unique political status as a Soviet satellite and its distinct cultural identity.
Are Tannu Touva stamps valuable?
Yes, many Tannu Touva stamps are considered valuable by collectors, especially early issues, airmail stamps, and those with rare cancellations or printing varieties. Prices for common stamps typically range from $5 to $50, while rare examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify Tannu Touva stamps?
Tannu Touva stamps can be identified by their Cyrillic inscriptions, often including 'Tuvinskaya Narodnaya Respublika' or 'Tannu Tuva'. They frequently depict local scenes, animals, or political themes. For precise identification, you can use a stamp identifier app on your iPhone or consult specialized stamp catalogs.
Which catalogs list Tannu Touva stamps?
Tannu Touva stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, descriptions, and estimated values.
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