USSR Stamps
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) spanned Eastern Europe and North Asia, representing the largest contiguous state in history. Its postal system, established after the 1917 Revolution, was a key instrument of state communication and propaganda, joining the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1924.
- Issued stamps
- 1923–1991
- Region
- Europe, Eastern Europe
- Currency
- SUR
- Languages
- Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Georgian, Azerbaijani, Lithuanian, Moldovan, Latvian, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Armenian, Turkmen, Estonian
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About USSR stamps
Stamps predominantly featured Russian Cyrillic script, though issues from constituent republics sometimes included local languages. The postal history is sharply divided by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, leading to the immediate emergence of fifteen independent successor states, each establishing its own postal administration.
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.
- CCCP
- СССР
- ПОЧТА СССР
- ПОЧТА
How to identify USSR stamps
- Look for 'ПОЧТА СССР' (POCHTA SSSR) or 'ПОЧТА' (POCHTA) in Cyrillic script.
- The hammer and sickle emblem, often alongside a star, is a common motif.
- Dates are typically in the Gregorian calendar, often in the format 'Г.' (G. for Goda - year) or just the year.
- Many stamps feature prominent Soviet leaders, monuments, or achievements in science, industry, and sports.
Popular series
-
First Definitive Series
1923-1927
Early issues featuring workers, peasants, and symbols of the new Soviet state, often with a distinctive 'hammer and sickle' watermark.
-
Sports Series
1930s-1980s
Numerous issues celebrating various sports, athletes, and major sporting events like the Olympics, often colorful and dynamic.
-
Space Exploration
1957-1991
A highly popular theme, commemorating Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin, Vostok and Soyuz missions, and other achievements in the Soviet space program.
-
Art and Culture
1940s-1991
Stamps depicting famous Russian and Soviet artists, writers, composers, ballets, and architectural landmarks.
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
- $0.10–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$10,000+
Common USSR stamps are generally inexpensive, especially later issues. Early issues, errors, imperforates, and stamps with significant historical context (e.g., early airmail, pre-WWII issues) can command high prices. Condition is crucial, with mint never-hinged examples being most desirable.
Catalogs. USSR 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 USSR stamps
USSR stamps are postage stamps issued by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from its formation in 1923 until its dissolution in 1991. They served as a primary means of communication and propaganda, reflecting the political, social, and cultural narratives of the Soviet state.
The value of USSR stamps varies widely. While many later issues are common and inexpensive, early issues, particularly those from the 1920s and 1930s, as well as errors, varieties, and stamps related to significant historical events, can be quite valuable. Factors like condition, rarity, and demand from collectors heavily influence their worth.
You can identify USSR stamps by looking for the Cyrillic inscription 'ПОЧТА СССР' (POCHTA SSSR), the hammer and sickle symbol, and depictions of Soviet life, leaders, and achievements. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
USSR stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (USA), Michel (Germany), and Stanley Gibbons (UK). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.