Demand for Soviet stamps from 1930s through the 1950s remains strong

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

Stamps of the Soviet Union are listed under Russia in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue. Although there are good reasons for doing it this way, collectors should keep in mind that Russia and the USSR are not the same thing, and different market conditions prevail for stamps of the Russian Empire (1857-1917), Soviet stamps (1923-91), and stamps of the Russian Federation (1991 to the present).

On Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian Federation invaded its neighbor Ukraine, expecting a short struggle and a quick annexation. Ukraine, the second largest country in Europe after Russia, fought back with spirit and determination. Twenty-two months and an estimated 1.5 million deaths later, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has yet to achieve that first step in his efforts to resurrect the Russian Empire. Aside from the human casualties, the war has deeply impacted the Russian economy, which has in turn affected the stamp market.

Demand remains strong for Soviet stamps issued from the 1930s to the 1950s, but prices are generally down. The Russian ruble is currently worth about $0.009 in United States dollars. Exporting stamps to or from Russia is almost impossible at this time.

Our bellwether for the Soviet stamp market is the imperforate 1-ruble green souvenir sheet issued to commemorate the Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 10-25, 1964. This souvenir sheet is popular with Olympics topical collectors. The souvenir sheet was issued along with a set of six stamps (Scott 2921-2926). It is not listed in the Scott Standard catalog, but it is noted and valued in a note following the listing for the stamps.

From longstanding habit, dealers and collectors usually refer to this souvenir sheet as Scott 2926A, although no number is assigned to it in the Scott catalog. The Scott catalog values the souvenir sheet at $300 favor canceled with mint gum, and at $200 in mint, never-hinged condition. While the catalog value is higher for the souvenir sheet in favor-canceled condition, the real price for the souvenir sheet in mint, never-hinged condition is always higher.

At its high point in 2008, the mint souvenir sheet was selling for around $300. Today it is selling in the $140 to $170 price range in online auctions.

Prices for Soviet stamps of the 1930s to the 1950s as a percentage of Scott catalog values are all over the place. You must study the market closely before buying.

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