Ukraine 1920 20 Hryven Red Overprint on 10 Kopeck Blue

Ukraine · 1920 · 20 Hryven

This definitive stamp features a red trident overprint on a Russian Imperial 10 Kopeck blue stamp. The overprint, applied in Kyiv, signifies the establishment of the Ukrainian People's Republic and revalues the underlying Russian stamp for local postage. The trident, or Tryzub, is the national coat of arms of Ukraine.

Issued during the tumultuous Ukrainian War of Independence (1917-1921), these overprinted stamps were a practical measure to create a national postal system using existing Russian stamp stocks amidst political upheaval and supply shortages.