Georgia — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Georgian Post (საქართველოს ფოსტა) is Georgia’s national postal operator. Georgia has two stamp-issuing periods: the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1919–1921) and the post-Soviet Republic of Georgia (1993–present). The first republic’s stamps are among the most beautiful Art Nouveau-influenced designs in world philately. Following Soviet annexation in 1921, Georgian territory used Soviet stamps until independence was restored in 1991.

Notable Stamp Issues

Georgia’s 1919 first stamps, designed by Jakob Nikoladze, are stunning Art Nouveau compositions featuring the Georgian national emblem and mythological imagery. The Queen Tamara and St. George issues of 1920 are equally admired. These stamps from the 2.5-year Democratic Republic are rare in fine used condition. Post-Soviet Georgian stamps from 1993 onwards feature Tbilisi’s Old Town, the Georgian Orthodox Church (one of the world’s oldest), the Caucasus mountains, and Georgian polyphonic music — recognised by UNESCO.

Collecting Tips

The 1919–1921 Democratic Republic stamps require expertisation — forgeries exist. Post-1993 Republic of Georgia stamps are mainstream and well-catalogued in Michel. The separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have issued unofficial stamps collected as cinderellas or “unrecognised state” philately. Georgian wine (the country is considered the birthplace of wine) features on some thematic stamps. The unique Georgian alphabet (Mkhedruli) appears on many modern issues.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.