Major Varieties and Constant Plate Flaws of Russian Imperial Postage Stamps (1857–1917)

Until now, detailed information about the stamps of Imperial Russia could only be found by consulting multiple sources — often obsolete, hard to find, inconsistent, and overwhelmingly published in Russian. Collectors who do not read Russian have had little help identifying and valuing varieties.

This is the first comprehensive, illustrated, English-language summary of available information about all stamps issued in the Russian Empire from 1857 to 1917: their varieties, color shades, perforations, watermarks, and constant plate flaws.

Each stamp is listed separately, with:

• a color illustration
• year of issue
• paper, sheet format, and watermark
• perforation and printing characteristics
• designer and engraver names
• original sources of images where known
• print runs, color shades, specimens, and multiples
• major varieties and known constant plate flaws

Approximate retail values are given in U.S. dollars or as multipliers of the catalog value of the basic stamp. Several tables and graphic aids allow stamps with multiple subtle differences to be identified quickly.

After consulting this catalog, you will finally really know what stamps are in your collection of pre-1917 Russian issues.