Confirmed varieties of Alexander von Humboldt

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A 1959 USSR postage stamp dedicated to Alexander von Humboldt was issued to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of the great German naturalist and geographer. The stamp features a portrait of the scientist, designed in the strict academic style characteristic of Soviet philately of the mid-20th century. Its face value is 40 kopecks, and it was produced using the intaglio printing method. The issuance of this stamp was part of a series reflecting the Soviet Union's respect for prominent world scientists and explorers of nature.

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The stamp had a print run of approximately two million copies, making it relatively common among Soviet issues of that period. Nevertheless, it maintains steady interest among collectors, especially in good, uncancelled condition. It is included in thematic collections dedicated to the history of science, geography, and famous world explorers.

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Philatelists are aware that some copies of this stamp have varieties—minor differences such as additional or shifted dots in the design, most often in the border area or the inscription. These varieties are considered printing peculiarities and can increase the collectible value of a specific copy, especially if they are clearly defined and confirmed by experts.

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Postage stamp specification:

• Design: V. Zavialov

• Print: Intaglio

• Raster: Square

• Perforation: Comb 12½ : 12

• Circulation: 2 000 000 pcs

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Confirmed varieties of Alexander von Humboldt

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1. stroke next to the name

2. small dot next to the big dot

3. dot after "Т" in "ГУМБОЛЬДТ" - minor variety

4. dot between "ОЛ" in "ГУМБОЛЬДТ" - minor variety

5. spot on the right side of the head

6. two small dots - minor variety

7. small dot on the forehead - minor variety