| Karelia Stamp & Philatelic Price Lists |
The Karelian territory, is a long-contested border area between Finland and Russia. Before subjugation under the USSR, much of the population was Finnish speaking. Some would say that the area is still contested to this day. Your Finland collection is not complete without the stamps of this interesting Finnish territory.
1922 Issue: Following WWI and the Russian Revolution, the previously Finnish-controlled area was conquered by Soviet troops and incorporated into the Soviet Union. In November 1921 a revolt broke out. On 31 January 1922, stamps were issued for Karelia, bearing the Karelian Bear and the text "KARJALA". By mid February, Soviet troops had regained control over the area, thus the 1922 stamps were in use for only about two weeks.
1941-1943 Issues: In June 1941, the so-called Continuation War began between Finland and Russia. Finnish troops were successful in occupying large portions of Russian-controlled Karelia east of the previous border. The Finnish occupation continued until abandoned as the result of a Russian offensive in June 1944. All but one of the Karelian stamps are overprinted with the text "ITÄ-KARJALA / Sot. hallinto" (Eastern Karelia / Military Administration). Despite the overprinting, it is interesting to note that most of the underlying stamps were specially printed for Karelia -- either the colors differ from the regular Finnish stamps or they lack the watermark the regular Finnish stamps have. The stamps were used at a many (often very small) post offices, some of which operated for very short periods of time due to the constantly changing military situation.
I do have my current Karelia stamp price list on this website, however, the stamps sell quickly and it is a challenge to restock. I am constantly rebuilding my stock of Karelian stamps and will be happy to send stamps on approval from your want list. Please let me know how I may be of assistance.
The Karelian 1922 issue has been heavily forged, however, the genuine stamps are easily identifiable with the right information. I have written a detailed article describing the genuine stamps and the forgeries. I only sell 1922 Issue Karelian stamps and covers that have been properly examined. I do not consider it necessary that collectors incur the cost of certificates for these issues, if they are purchased from a knowledgable specialist. However, in my experience, a large proportion of the 1922 Issue stamps offered by non-specialists or through general auctions, and especially Internet auctions, are not genuine. Caution is advised.
Downloadable and printable (PDF files) price lists are available here for all-Scandinavia and for each of the individual Scandinavian countries (Aunus, Karelia, and North Ingermanland are in the Finland list), as well as United States and Worldwide. The PDF lists include virtually everything on the website as of the date the PDFs were created (every few months), but do not contain images. Please refer to the website for the most current information.
Printed price lists sent by postal mail are available here for each of the individual Scandinavian countries (Aunus, Karelia, and North Ingermanland are in the Finland list), as well as United States and Worldwide. The printed lists include virtually everything on the website as of the date they were printed (every few months), but do not contain images. Please refer to the website for the most current information.
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SPECIAL OFFERS!
GREAT VALUES!
Updated
30 April 2025
Scandinavia:
 Philatelic
Literature
Collections
Used Albums
U.S. Stamps:
NH, Mint, and Used at great prices.
Collections
World Stamps:
Better stamps at great prices.
Collections
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SCANDINAVIAN PRICE LISTS ON THE
WEB Take a look at my specific country
price lists and topic price lists on
the web.
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Approvals are the best way to add to your collection.
If you prefer to examine stamps and compare them to your
collection, before you purchase, you will very much enjoy my
approval service. Send your want list today.
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Stender Scandinavian Stamp Albums
Albums made in Scandinavia, by Scandinavians make the most sense.
Well designed and attractive, these extremely price competitive
albums will make a great home for your collection. See the complete price list.
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I have added a Frequently Asked
Questions "FAQ" page for web site, computer, and Internet questions
as they relates to my site. I welcome your comments, input, suggestions,
corrections, etc.
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