Russia #1, 10 Kopeck, Coat of Arms

Russian Empire · 1857 · 10 Kopeck

This is the first postage stamp issued by the Russian Empire. The design features the imperial coat of arms, a double-headed eagle, within a decorative oval frame. The denomination of 10 Kopecks is indicated at the bottom, and the Cyrillic inscription translates to 'Postage Stamp'.

Issued under Tsar Alexander II, this stamp marked Russia's entry into the global postal system, simplifying mail delivery across the vast empire. It was initially imperforate, with perforations added in later printings.