Red vs. White: Russian Civil War Postage

With a print run in the millions, the “Special Corps, Army of the North” stamps from 1919 were never destined to be rare treasures. Issued by the anti-Communist forces in post-World War I Russia, these imperforate stamps were printed on thin, almost cigarette-like paper and saw limited postal use before the tide of history swept their issuers aside.

A complete mint set of these five stamps might only set you back around £10, making them an affordable yet fascinating relic of a turbulent era. However, the real challenge – and value – lies in finding one genuinely used on a complete letter. Used sets tend to fetch a premium, as collectors prize them for their authenticity, reducing the risk of forgeries.

So, while these stamps won’t make you rich, they remain a compelling piece of history worth adding to any collection. Keep an eye out – you never know when a real gem might turn up!