Russian Empire Charity Stamp, 1914

Russian Empire · 1914 · 1 Kopeck

This stamp is part of Russia's first semi-postal (charity) series, issued to raise funds for the orphans and families of soldiers killed in World War I. The design features the denomination and a Cyrillic inscription indicating its charitable purpose. The simple, text-based design was typical for early charity issues, focusing on the message rather than elaborate imagery.

Issued shortly after the outbreak of World War I, this series reflects the patriotic fervor and the immediate need to support soldiers and their families on the home front. These were the first charity stamps issued by the Russian Empire.