legendary1945-1980

The Whole Country is Red (Unissued)

Name: The Whole Country is Red (Unissued)
Brand: People's Republic of China

People's Republic of China · 1968 · 8 fen

The stamp depicts a group of workers, farmers, and soldiers holding 'Quotations from Chairman Mao' and a red flag, with a map of China in the background. Chairman Mao Zedong is shown waving above the group.

This stamp was intended to celebrate the establishment of revolutionary committees across all provinces of China during the Cultural Revolution. It was withdrawn shortly after issue due to a cartographic error (Taiwan was not colored red), making it one of the most famous and valuable unissued stamps.

Printing Method

Photogravure

Themes

political propaganda communism leaders maps cultural-revolution unissued

Catalog Numbers

scott999A

michel999A

Image: · License: Public domain

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$350,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$150,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$75,000

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$30,000

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$15,000

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.