Ashgabat Stamps
Ashgabat is the capital city of Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea. As the seat of government for a former Soviet republic, its postal history is deeply intertwined with the Soviet Union's centralized postal system until independence in 1991.
- Issued stamps
- 1920–1920
- Region
- Asia, Central Asia
- Currency
- RUB
- Languages
- Russian
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic
About Ashgabat stamps
Following independence, Turkmenistan established its own postal administration, with stamps primarily featuring the Turkmen language, often alongside Russian or English for international correspondence. The city's philatelic output reflects the nation's transition from Soviet control to independent statehood, showcasing national identity and natural resources.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Ashgabat stamps
- Look for overprints (e.g., 'Ашхабад' or 'Асхабад') on Russian Empire or early Soviet stamps.
- Examine the specific type and color of the overprint, as variations exist.
- Be aware of the historical context: these were provisional issues during a turbulent period, leading to inconsistencies.
Popular series
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Ashgabat Local Issues
1920
Provisional stamps issued by the local postal authorities in Ashgabat during the Russian Civil War period, often overprinted on existing Russian Empire or Soviet stamps.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€500+
Ashgabat's local issues from 1920 are scarce and highly sought after by specialists in Russian Civil War philately. Condition significantly impacts value, with well-preserved examples fetching higher prices. Forgeries and unofficial issues are common, requiring expert authentication.
Catalogs. Ashgabat stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Ashgabat stamps
Ashgabat stamps refer to provisional local issues from the city of Ashgabat (then known as Poltoratsk) in 1920, during the Russian Civil War. These were typically existing Russian Empire or early Soviet stamps overprinted by local postal authorities.
Yes, Ashgabat local issues from 1920 are generally considered valuable, especially genuine, well-preserved examples. Their scarcity and historical significance contribute to their philatelic demand, with prices ranging from tens to hundreds of Euros, and even more for rare varieties or covers.
To identify Ashgabat stamps, look for specific overprints on Russian stamps, often featuring the city's name in Cyrillic. Due to the prevalence of forgeries, careful examination of the overprint's characteristics, paper, and watermark is crucial. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Ashgabat local issues are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, typically within the sections for Russia or the Russian Civil War period. Specialized catalogs for Russian and Soviet philately also provide detailed listings.
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