Philately is not only a window into history but also a reflection of cultural and linguistic movements. One such fascinating stamp issue is the 1927 Soviet Esperanto stamp, released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the publication of “Langue Internationale”, the foundational work of Esperanto, created by Dr. L. L. Zamenhof.
This Soviet issue honoured Zamenhof’s vision of a universal language and showcased the USSR’s early support for Esperanto as a tool for international communication. This blog explores the history, design, varieties, and collector’s value of this historic stamp.
Historical Context: Esperanto and the Soviet Union
Esperanto, created in 1887 by Dr. Ludwik Lejzer Zamenhof, was designed as a neutral and universal language to promote global peace and understanding. By the 1920s, Esperanto had gained significant popularity, especially among socialist and communist circles, who saw it as a means to unite the international working class.
The Soviet Union, which emphasized international solidarity, initially encouraged the use of Esperanto. By 1927, the USSR decided to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Esperanto’s introduction with a special postage stamp, reinforcing its early ideological alignment with the language.
The 1927 Soviet Esperanto Stamp: Design and Details
Designed by V. Kupriyanov, the 14 kopeks green and brown stamp features:
- A portrait of Dr. Zamenhof, recognizing his role in creating Esperanto.
- A stylized industrial skyline, symbolizing the Soviet Union’s progress and modernity.
- The prominent Esperanto inscription, emphasizing its role as a global language.
- The years 1887 – 1927, marking the 40th anniversary of Esperanto’s publication.
Printing and Perforation Details
- The stamp was issued with perforation 10½, making it distinct from other Soviet issues.
- There were two different printings:
- July issue with watermark 103 (a distinctive maze-like pattern).
- September issue without watermark, making it more collectible due to the variety.
Rare Varieties and Errors
Like many early Soviet stamps, the 1927 Esperanto issue features some rare varieties that are highly sought after by collectors.
- Imperforate Stamps – A small number of stamps were printed without perforations, making them exceptionally rare.
- Imperforate Between Pairs – Some sheets had misprinted perforations, resulting in pairs where the stamps were imperforate between them. This variety is extremely valuable.
- Different Perforation Types – While the standard perforation was 10½, some copies exist with 10×10½ perforations, adding to their uniqueness.
Market Value and Collector Demand
Due to its historical significance and limited print varieties, the 1927 Esperanto stamp is a highly desirable issue among collectors of Soviet and Esperanto-related philately.
- The standard 14k green and brown stamp sells for approximately £6.25 in mint condition and £3.75 used.
- The imperforate version is extremely rare and commands a value of £900 mint and £750 used.
- The no watermark (September issue) variant has a similar price range to the July issue but includes additional rare varieties:
- Imperforate between pair is valued at £1,300.
- Perf 10×10½ variant sells for £75 mint and £65 used.
- The standard perforated issue is worth £65 mint and £50 used.
Complete sets and rare errors have been known to fetch significantly higher prices in philatelic auctions.
The Legacy of the 1927 Esperanto Stamp
This unique Soviet issue is more than just a piece of postage; it is a symbol of early Soviet linguistic policy and the country’s initial embrace of Esperanto. Unfortunately, by the late 1930s, Stalinist policies led to the suppression of Esperanto, and many Esperantists were persecuted.
Despite this, the 1927 Esperanto stamp remains an important philatelic artifact, celebrating an era when the Soviet Union briefly championed international linguistic unity.
For collectors of Soviet philately, Esperanto memorabilia, and linguistic history, this stamp is a must-have, preserving a fascinating chapter in global communication history