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Stamp values

Russian and Soviet stamp values: what your stamps are worth

Russia’s first stamp appeared in 1857. Collections usually contain many Soviet stamps, a large share of them cancelled-to-order for export. Imperial classics, some 1920s and 1930s Soviet issues and airmail overprints are where value is found.

Short answer

Most Soviet stamps from after 1950, especially cancelled-to-order copies with full gum, are worth cents. Imperial Russian stamps from 1857 onward and selected Soviet issues of the 1920s and 1930s can be valuable. The 1935 Levanevsky airmail overprint is a well-known Soviet rarity.

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What most Russian and Soviet stamps are worth

From the 1950s the Soviet Union produced large numbers of stamps cancelled to order for collectors abroad. They are attractive but common. Imperial stamps vary: many used values are cheap, while early printings, rare perforations and postmarks are scarce.

Valuable stamps to look for

  • 1857

    10 kopeks first issue (1857)

    Russia’s first stamp. Value depends on condition and cancellation.

  • 1935

    Levanevsky airmail overprint (1935)

    A Soviet airmail overprint with rare varieties.

  • 1920

    Early Soviet airmail and Zeppelin issues (1920s–1930s)

    Popular with collectors and often forged.

What to check before you price a stamp

  1. 1

    Separate cancelled-to-order stamps (full gum with a neat cancel) from postally used ones.

  2. 2

    Check overprints closely. Many valuable Soviet overprints exist as forgeries.

  3. 3

    For Imperial stamps, note the perforation and paper. They decide the catalog number.

  4. 4

    Keep blocks and complete sets together.

Questions about Russia stamps

Are Soviet stamps worth anything?

Most are common, particularly cancelled-to-order stamps. Some 1920s and 1930s issues and varieties are valuable.

What does CTO mean on Soviet stamps?

Cancelled to order: stamps postmarked in bulk for sale to collectors, usually with full gum. They are worth less than genuinely used stamps of some issues.

Which catalog is best for Russian stamps?

Michel or Zagorsky for detail. Scott is common in the United States.

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