After
the USSR: BELARUS
Belarus
- a land of
10 million people in 206,000 square miles. 
On the break up of the USSR, Belarus declared independence in September
1991.
The first stamps were issued in 1992 (see above). These stamps, both 5
roubles issued 31.8.92, show the State Arms, and
the National Flag superimposed on a map of the country.
Before Belarus had its own issues, stamps and pre-stamped stationery of
the USSR continued in use. Increases in rates were shown on the
envelopes by means of locally applied surcharges. Some were handstamps,
others applied by machine. Probably some were adapted franking (meter)
machines, and some adapted postmarks. At present I have no evidence of
where the surcharges originated, other than by the reference to the
postmark: some were probably done at a central office. (As stamps of
Lithuania have been seen used in Moldova at this time, it is not
possible to be sure about anything!)
Note that all dates here are in
UK notation (DDMMYY).
For all these images I can supply copies of the whole cover on request.
Internal Mail.
The basic inland letter rate increased from 7 to 15
kopecks probably in 1992.
Illustration 1
is a simple handstamp from Ivanovo;
2
is a USSR-style surcharge from Gomel
(May 92). 3 & 4,
inscribed 'Belarus' are from Minsk
(August & July 92) differing in size of letters and figure of
value '8' (kapeckii).
1.
2.
3.
4.
The postage rate was increased
during 1992 to 40
kopecks, leading to 33 kop
surcharges. Note that 6,
used in Krugovets-Kalinino,
Gomel Oblast
(in March 93 with further surcharge), has the centre (value) panel
split, with the lower part dropped so that the K of kop is level with
the bottom of the 'A'.
The 'complete' surcharge 5
is postmarked Koroby Vitebsk
1.7.92. In 1991 at least two 40 kopeck pre-stamped envelopes were
issued - I do not know the date of issue, nor how many designs there
were. Any more information on this would be very welcome.
5.
6.
7.
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