Philately often reflects the cultural and scholarly achievements of nations, and the 1935 Soviet stamp issue celebrating the Third International Congress of Persian Art and Archaeology is a prime example. This set was released on September 10, 1935, to mark the Soviet Union’s participation in global archaeological and artistic research, particularly focused on Persian and Central Asian antiquities.
Designed by V. Zavyalov, this series remains highly collectible due to its artistic beauty, historical significance, and rarity in high grades.
Historical Context: Soviet Interest in Persian and Central Asian Art
By the 1930s, the Soviet Union had developed a deep interest in the artistic and archaeological heritage of Persia and Central Asia. This was fueled by the USSR’s control over former Persian territories in Central Asia, where Soviet scholars were conducting extensive excavations and cultural studies.
The Third International Congress of Persian Art and Archaeology, held in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), was a prestigious event, bringing together archaeologists, historians, and art scholars to discuss the legacy of Persian and Islamic art. To commemorate this occasion, the Soviet postal service issued a set of four beautifully designed stamps featuring an intricate Sassanian artwork known as “Lion Hunt.”
The 1935 Soviet Archaeology Stamps: Design and Features
Each stamp in the set features an ornate reproduction of a Sassanian silver plate depicting a lion hunt, a popular theme in Persian imperial art. The circular motif is framed by two Persian-inspired griffins, reinforcing the stamp’s historical and artistic significance.
- 5 kopeks red-orange – The lowest denomination, widely used for standard mail.
- 10 kopeks green – A slightly higher denomination for medium-value postal rates.
- 15 kopeks deep purple – A premium issue, used for higher-value postage.
- 35 kopeks blackish brown – The highest denomination, often used for international correspondence.
Each stamp bears the inscription “IIIe Congrès International de l’Art Iranien – Leningrad” (Third International Congress of Persian Art – Leningrad), emphasizing its academic and cultural significance.
Printing and Perforation Details
- The stamps were collotyped, a high-quality printing technique ensuring fine detail.
- They were issued with perforation 14, making them uniform in size and separation.
Market Value and Collector Demand
The 1935 Soviet Archaeology stamps remain highly sought after, particularly among specialists in cultural-themed philately.
- 5k red-orange
- £19 mint, £1.90 used
- 10k green
- £19 mint, £3.25 used
- 15k deep purple
- £21 mint, £5.00 used
- 35k blackish brown
- £44 mint, £8.75 used
- Complete Set of 4
- £95 mint, £17 used
Auction records indicate that well-centered, lightly hinged copies in superior condition fetch even higher prices, particularly for the 35k blackish brown issue, which is the most valuable of the set.
The Legacy of the 1935 Soviet Archaeology Stamps
This set stands as a tribute to Soviet scholarship in the field of Persian and Central Asian art, reflecting the USSR’s broader intellectual engagement with the Islamic world and its historical artifacts.
For collectors of Soviet philately, archaeology-themed stamps, and Persian art memorabilia, this series is a must-have, preserving a unique intersection of Soviet history, global scholarship, and ancient art.