A Comprehensive Guide to Azerbaijan Postage Stamps and Postal History

Azerbaijan has a rich postal history that spans over a century, with the country's first postage stamps issued in 1919. The early stamps featured the country's coat of arms and were printed in Baku.

The first stamps were a result of Azerbaijan's independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, which led to the establishment of its own postal system. The stamps were a symbol of the country's newfound sovereignty.

The most valuable stamp in Azerbaijan's postal history is the 1919 "Azerbaijan's Independence" stamp, which can sell for thousands of dollars. This stamp is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance.

Azerbaijan's postal system has undergone significant changes over the years, with the introduction of new stamps and postal rates. Today, the country's postal service is modern and efficient, with a wide range of services available to customers.

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The postal history of Azerbaijan dates to the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century.

The first post office of Azerbaijan opened in the city of Ganja in 1818, while it was still a part of the Russian Empire.

The first postage stamps used in Azerbaijan were Russian Empire postage stamps.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formed in 1918, and the government issued ten pictorial stamps in October 1919, known as the Moussavat (or Musavat) Issue.

These stamps featured four designs printed on thin, white paper with whitish gum.

In 1920, the stamps were reprinted on thick buff paper with yellow gum or no gum.

Both sets of stamps were lithographed on large-sized paper in the city of Baku, with each sheet consisting of approximately two to three hundred stamps.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic issues only lasted from 1919 to 1921.

After Soviet forces overtook Azerbaijan in 1921, the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR) was established a year later.

The stamps issued between 1922 and 1924 were Azerbaijan SSR stamps.

The stamps from this period, including a 1920 documentary stamp and a 1923 documentary stamp, are highly sought after by collectors.

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You can find a variety of Azerbaijan stamps and postal collectibles for sale on eBay, with over 143 listings to choose from.

Borderphilatelic has a 99.2% rating and is selling a 1922 Azerbaijan stamp for a reasonable price. Cammarni, with a 99.1% rating, is offering a vintage lot of 14 stamps from 1919-1922.

Sellers like stamps_covers_seals_ephemera, with a 100% rating, are offering mint stamp sets and other collectibles, including a 1919 Azerbaijan mint stamp set on a partial album page.

You can find a wide range of Azerbaijan postal collectibles for sale on online marketplaces like eBay. Currently, there are 143 listings of Azerbaijan 1918-22 stamps and postal collectibles available.

These listings are chosen using a custom technology that shows only the latest and best sales from safe, trusted sellers. Listings are updated and refreshed every day.

You can purchase items from sellers like borderphilatelic, who has a 99.2% rating from 23,221 ratings, or cammarni, who has a 99.1% rating from 737 ratings.

Some of the items up for sale include a 1922 3000 Pye Imperf Pair SG54 Used J3348, a vintage Azerbaijan Stamps 1919-1922 Lot of 14x, and a 1919 AZERBAIJAN MINT STAMP SET ON PARTIAL ALBUM PAGE IMPERFS XMAS GIFT GRANDPA.

Prices for these items vary, with some sellers offering best offers. For example, the 1921 MH AZERBAIJAN STAMPS #15-29 COMPLETE SET is priced at $102.06 or best offer, while the Azerbaijan 1922 SC 1 mint Priniato revalued PO GPTO 2 is priced at $45.00.

You can also find rare items like the AZERBAIJAN 1919 Baku Walls 2r red & bister Scott 6A used BLOCK of 4 VF, which is a unique collectible.

The price guide is a crucial tool for collectors and sellers alike. It helps determine the value of postal items, such as stamps and lots.

The Scott Catalogue Pages 91-120 specifically cover Azerbaijan stamps from 2024. This is a great resource for collectors looking to purchase or sell Azerbaijan stamps.

Azerbaijan imperf MNGAI / 16 LH Vintage Stamps can be found in various collections, and their value can range depending on the condition and rarity.

The 1920 Documentary Stamp, 100,000 on 3 Rub.; MH, is a rare and valuable item, making it a great addition to any collection.

For those looking to start or add to their Azerbaijan stamp collection, lots like the one with 24 Stamps or the 45 Early MH stamps can be a great starting point.

Condition plays a significant role in determining the value of stamps, with items like the AZERBAIJAN postal STAMP LOT - OLD CLASIC STAMPS MINT MNH VG CONDITION being highly sought after.

The value of stamps can also vary depending on the edition, such as the 1923 Documentary Stamp, 200,000 on 10 Rub. in Red; MH, which is a unique and valuable item.

Collectors can find a wide range of Azerbaijan stamps, including the 22 stamps from 1920, which can be a great addition to any collection.

For those looking to sell their stamps, understanding the retail price list, such as Stamps Retail Price List No. 53, is essential in determining the value of their items.

For more insights, see: List of Postage Rates in Australia

The first stamps of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic were quite unique. They were imperforate, multicolored, and lithographed onto thin, white paper in ruble denominations.

These early stamps featured a variety of designs, including a soldier with a national flag, a farmer at sunset, the city of Baku, and the Temple of Eternal Fire. The lowest two values depicted a soldier with a national flag.

The later 1921 re-issues of these stamps were lithographically printed on thick brownish or grayish paper, with similar designs as the previous issue, except for the five-rubel and ten-rubel stamps.

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The initial ten stamps of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic were imperforate, multicolored, and lithographed onto thin, white paper in ruble denominations.

To identify your pre-Soviet Azerbaijan stamps, look for the distinctive designs and inscriptions. The lowest two values depicted a soldier with a national flag.

The middle six denominations featured a farmer at sunset and the city of Baku. The two highest values illustrated the Temple of Eternal Fire.

The later 1921 re-issues have similar designs as the previous issue, except for the five-rubel and ten-rubel stamps. These have inverted left ornament columns.

Fewer stamps were printed in the first issue than in the second, making counterfeits common. In general, replicas' lines and illustrations are not as defined.

To authenticate your stamps, a trustworthy, detailed provenance is often the best method.

Azerbaijan's brief stint as a Soviet Republic was marked by significant changes. In 1920, it joined the USSR and rebranded itself as the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

The country's first set of stamps as the ASSR was issued the following year, featuring 15 designs that highlighted local politics, culture, and the importance of oil to the region.

Transcaucasia was a short-lived alliance formed by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia in 1922. This alliance was a response to economic instability.

The three countries printed their own stamps, which were used concurrently with both overprinted Azerbaijan stamps and centrally printed stamps of the USSR. This unique system lasted until 1936.

The alliance was dissolved in 1936, and Azerbaijan began to issue its own postage once again.

If you're interested in collecting rare Azerbaijan stamps, you'll find something to enjoy in the history of the Soviet Union or Central Asia.

Rare Azerbaijan stamps can be found for sale in online stores like Apfelbaum, Inc., which frequently has items from all eras of the country's history.

To grow your collection, be sure to seek expert advice on avoiding forgeries, which can be obtained by contacting the Apfelbaum, Inc. office.

Collecting rare stamps can be a fascinating hobby, and Azerbaijan stamps are particularly interesting for those interested in the history of the Soviet Union or Central Asia.

Azerbaijan stamps offer a rich history to explore, with rare items available for sale online at the Apfelbaum, Inc. store.

If you're new to collecting, it's essential to start with rare stamps from all eras of Azerbaijan's history to get a comprehensive view of the country's past.

The Apfelbaum, Inc. online store frequently has rare Azerbaijan stamps for sale, and their expert advice can help you avoid forgeries while growing your collection.

Got a question about buying rare Azerbaijan stamps? Contact the Apfelbaum, Inc. office for assistance.

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Over 25 years, a staggering 1140 postage stamps have been issued in Azerbaijan, covering a wide range of topics.

These stamps include those dedicated to the country's independence, state attributes, and economic development.

The philatelic sphere in Azerbaijan has been thriving since 1992, with a focus on releasing stamps that showcase the country's unique culture and history.

Postage stamps on fauna and flora, national holidays, architectural monuments, and prominent figures of the Republic of Azerbaijan have also been issued.

Azerbaijan's postage stamps have gained international recognition, with many being showcased in exhibitions around the world, including in Russia, France, Germany, and China.

Despite being a relatively young country, Azerbaijan's stamps have become highly sought after by philatelists worldwide.

Expand your knowledge: List of Entities That Have Issued Postage Stamps (F–L)

Azerbaijan's postage stamps are in the public domain, which means you're free to upload them to the internet without worrying about copyright issues. You can use the {{PD-AZ-exempt}} template to mark them as exempt.

The country's stamps are categorized by year, with most of them spanning from 1992 to 2023, although some specific years have a narrower range. For example, the 2010 stamp has a range of 888-937, while the 2011 stamp has a range of 938-1014.

You can find stamps with specific themes, such as animals, flowers, and birds. These themes are listed under the "Topics" section.

Here are some specific themes you can find on Azerbaijan's stamps: