The Romanov Tercentenary Stamps of 1913: A Tribute to Imperial Russia Philately, the study and collection of postage stamps, often intersects with historical events, political changes, and cultural milestones. One of the most remarkable stamp issues in Russian history is the Romanov Tercentenary series, released in 1913 to commemorate 300 years of the Romanov dynasty. This set of stamps, featuring portraits of Russian tsars, grand architecture, and key symbols of imperial rule, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Romanovs just before their downfall in the wake of the Russian Revolution.
This blog post delves into the history, design, variations, and collector’s value of these iconic stamps.
Historical Context: The Romanov Dynasty and the 1913 Jubilee
The Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917, played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. The year 1913 marked the tercentenary (300th anniversary) of Romanov rule, and to celebrate this historic occasion, the Russian Empire issued a commemorative set of postage stamps.
At the time, Tsar Nicholas II was the reigning monarch, and his administration saw the Tercentenary Jubilee as a way to strengthen national pride and loyalty to the monarchy. The stamps featured historical figures, imperial landmarks, and architectural wonders, reflecting the dynasty’s long reign and its contributions to Russia’s development.
Little did anyone know that four years later, the Romanovs would be overthrown during the Russian Revolution, making these stamps one of the last major philatelic releases of Imperial Russia.
The Design and Production of the 1913 Romanov Stamps
The Romanov Tercentenary stamps were designed by a group of renowned artists and engravers, including:
- I. Bilibin
- R. Zarins
- E. Lancereay
- Engraver F. Lundin
- P. Ksida
- F. Schirnböck (frames by M. Antonow)
These artists ensured that each stamp was not just a postal item but also a miniature work of art, featuring intricate engravings and detailed portraits of Russia’s most famous rulers.
Perforation and Printing
The stamps were issued with a P 13½ perforation, meaning that they had a standard hole pattern for easy separation. They were printed using both typo (kopek values) and recess (rouble values) methods, with high-quality craftsmanship that enhanced their aesthetic appeal.
The 1913 Romanov Stamp Designs and Denominations
The Romanov Tercentenary set consisted of 17 denominations, each featuring a different monarch, historical figure, or landmark.
Monarchs and Leaders Depicted
Each stamp honoured a different tsar or notable leader from Russian history, emphasizing the Romanov family’s long and powerful rule. Here are some of the key figures depicted:
- 1 kopek – Peter I (Peter the Great)
- 2 kopeks – Alexander II
- 3 kopeks – Alexander III
- 4 kopeks – Peter I (another version)
- 10 kopeks – Nicholas II
- 14 kopeks – Catherine the Great
- 15 kopeks – Nicholas I
- 20 kopeks – Alexander I
- 25 kopeks – Alexis
- 35 kopeks – Paul I
- 50 kopeks – Elizabeth
- 70 kopeks – Michael I, the first Romanov tsar
Architectural and Cultural Symbols
Alongside rulers, several high-denomination stamps depicted iconic Russian landmarks:
- 1 rouble – The Kremlin
- 2 roubles – The Winter Palace
- 3 roubles – Romanov House, Moscow (birthplace of the first Romanov tsar)
- 5 roubles – Nicholas II
These high-value stamps were printed with recess engraving, making them particularly attractive to collectors.
Rare Varieties and Printing Errors
Like many historical stamp issues, the 1913 Romanov series features a number of notable printing varieties that increase their desirability among collectors.
Double Impression on the 3 Kopeks Stamp
One of the most famous errors in this series is the 3 kopeks stamp with a double impression. In some cases, one of the impressions was inverted, leading to a visually striking misalignment of the design. This particular error is considered rare and valuable.
Imperforate Stamps
Most of the issued stamps were perforated (P 13½), but imperforate examples exist for some values, including:
- 1 kopek
- 2 kopeks
- 3 kopeks
- 14 kopeks
- 1 rouble
These imperforate stamps were not officially sold at post offices, making them rare finds in today’s market.
Unique Color Varieties
Some values, such as the 35 kopeks (dull green and slate-violet) and 50 kopeks (slate and brown), have minor shade differences, which are of interest to specialized philatelists.
Market Value and Collector Demand
Due to their historical significance and artistic beauty, the Romanov Tercentenary stamps remain highly sought after by collectors.
Standard Market Prices
Here are some general market prices based on recent philatelic catalogs:
- Common kopek values (1k–10k) range from $1.00 to $10.00 per stamp.
- Mid-range values (20k–50k) typically fetch $3.00 to $10.00.
- Rare high-value denominations (1r, 2r, 3r, 5r) can reach $30.00 to $100.00.
- Errors and imperforate stamps command significantly higher prices, with some exceeding $500.00.
Auction Records
Rare varieties, such as the 3k double impression or imperforate pairs, have fetched thousands of dollars in specialized philatelic auctions.
Legacy of the Romanov Tercentenary Stamps
The 1913 Romanov stamps serve as a final tribute to Imperial Russia, capturing the essence of a dynasty that ruled for 300 years. They were issued during a time of national pride, but within a few years, the Russian monarchy would collapse, making these stamps a symbolic relic of a bygone era.