Petersburg Local Post Stamps
Petersburg, historically known as Saint Petersburg, is a major city located in Northwestern Russia, situated on the Baltic Sea. While not an independent country, its postal history is deeply intertwined with the Russian Empire and the subsequent Soviet Union, serving as a crucial hub for international mail routes across Northern Europe.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Europe, Eastern Europe
- Currency
- RUB
- Languages
- Russian
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Russian Empire
History and background
Stamps issued from this region, particularly during periods of local administration or special events, would predominantly feature the Russian language and Cyrillic script. The city's administrative status has shifted significantly over time, reflecting major political transitions within Russia, impacting the issuing authority for postal materials.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- С. ПЕТЕРБУРГСКАЯ ГОРОДСКАЯ ПОЧТА
How to identify them
- Look for the inscription 'С. ПЕТЕРБУРГСКАЯ ГОРОДСКАЯ ПОЧТА' (St. Petersburg City Post) in Cyrillic.
- The stamps are imperforate and typically feature a central design with the imperial double-headed eagle or a simplified city emblem.
- Pay attention to the paper type and printing method, as variations exist and can affect value. Forgeries are common, so examine details carefully.
Popular series
-
Local Post Stamps
1861
The singular issue of local post stamps for Petersburg, intended for use within the city and its immediate surroundings, predating the full integration of a unified imperial postal system.
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
- €50–€200
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€5,000+
The 1861 Petersburg local post stamps are generally considered scarce to rare, especially in fine condition or on cover. Their value is highly dependent on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties (e.g., paper, printing errors). Forgeries are known, so expert authentication is crucial.
Catalogs. Petersburg Local Post 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 Petersburg Local Post stamps
Petersburg stamps refer to a very specific and rare local post issue from 1861, used within the city of Saint Petersburg (then part of the Russian Empire) before the full establishment of a unified imperial postal system. These were not national issues but rather served a local postal need.
Yes, Petersburg local post stamps are generally considered valuable due to their rarity and historical significance. Common examples can fetch hundreds of euros, while rare varieties or stamps on original covers can command thousands. Their value is highly dependent on condition and authenticity.
Petersburg stamps are identifiable by their Cyrillic inscription 'С. ПЕТЕРБУРГСКАЯ ГОРОДСКАЯ ПОЧТА' (St. Petersburg City Post) and their imperforate nature. They typically feature the imperial double-headed eagle or a city emblem. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Petersburg local post stamps are listed in major international catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually within the sections for Russian Empire local posts or zemstvo issues. Specialized Russian philatelic catalogs also provide detailed listings.
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