2022-03-30 Wed

Russia celebrated the 150th anniversary of its first postage stamp on a Proof silver collector coin issued in 2008. The first Russian stamps were issued in December 1857, and they became valid for use as postage on 1st Jan 1858.

This coin is the fifth piece of a multi-part Coin World series about the intersection of coins and postage stamps prepared by Jeff Starck. The fine silver 3-ruble coin features a design by S.A. Kozlov, showing three examples of the first Russian stamps, each denominated 10 kopeks.

The stamp’s design bears the Russian double-headed eagle (the national coat of arms) along with two crossed horns for the emblem of the Russian Post. The stamp was printed mostly in brown, with the coat of arms printed in blue.

The obverse of the 3-ruble coin features Russia’s two-headed eagle, with the legend translating to “Bank of Russia” appearing below. The interpretation of the eagle on the obverse of the coin and that depicted in the stamps’ design on the reverse differ slightly. The reverse depicts the corner of a postal envelope with three of the first stamps on it.

Image Courtesy: coinworld.com