The stamps for sale from Estonia today date from a period of independence from World War I until just before World War II, certain stamps and covers during its time as a Soviet Socialist Republic, and postage stamps from the modern Republic of Estonia, independent once again since 1991.
(Note: See stamps from Wenden in Livonia here.)
First Estonia postage stamps, 1918 — 1940
After declaring independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, Estonia issued its first postage stamps. These were designed with some ornate decoration, and inscribed simply EESTI POST (“Estonian Post”) with the value in kopecks, then (in 1919) in penni (two examples of each were issued). Despite having revamped their currency, Estonia used old Russian stamps with ‘EESTI POST’ overprints, but with no surcharges, using the original roubles/kopecks values. In 1919, new stamps were issued with the longer inscription EESTI VABARIIK (“Republic of Estonia”).
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In 1928, as postage stamp issues continued with some very impressive designs, the currency was changed again to 1 kroon = 100 sents. Some stamps of the old currency were surcharged in the new units.
The final postage stamp from this first period of Estonian independence was issued in 1940; after that, Estonia was a Soviet Socialist Republic. There were Russian stamps during this period that commemorated subjects related to the Estonian SSR, but there were no actual Estonian stamps again until 1991.
Estonian stamps since 1991
When the USSR disbanded in 1991, Estonia once again became Eesti Vabariik and immediately began issuing new stamps. These new stamps use the revived currencies of kroons and sents, and are inscribed simply EESTI (and no English).
See also: Austria rare stamps for philatelists and other buyers
Estonia issues new stamps, plus souvenir sheets and other collectibles, every year. Our subcategories feature many different types of Estonia stamps; check back daily to see new deals.
