Stamps of the First Republic of Armenia (1918-20)
Name/Title
Stamps of the First Republic of Armenia (1918-20)Description
The First Republic of Armenia, established on May 28, 1918, sought to create its own postage stamps to signify its newfound independence. In 1919, Armenian artist Arshak Fetvadjian was commissioned to design a series of stamps for the republic. He crafted ten stamps in various denominations, which were printed in Paris. However, due to the political turmoil and eventual occupation of Armenia, these stamps were never officially delivered or circulated. Consequently, genuine uses of these stamps are rare, and many forgeries have been recorded. In 1924, the Armenian government in exile (Dashnak Party) sold stamps to collectors and dealers in Paris to fund their activities. Prior to the creation of these unique designs, Armenia utilized overprinted Russian stamps. From 1909 until 1918, some Russian stamps were overprinted with the Armenian letters “H” and “P,” representing “Hai Post,” the Armenian Post Office. The designs by Fetvadjian featured significant Armenian symbols and motifs, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage. Despite their limited use, these stamps remain a poignant representation of Armenia’s brief period of independence before Sovietization.Category
Stamps