Russia has issued a special anniversary postage stamp to mark 250 years since the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of modern Greece and a former Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire. The release highlights his diplomatic legacy and his role in early Greek state formation.
As a result, the stamp connects Russian philatelic tradition with a major European historical figure whose career spanned multiple states and institutions.
Russian limited-edition Kapodistrias stamp with detailed specifications
The commemorative stamp carries a face value of 80 rubles and features artwork by S. Ulyanovsky and R. Komsa. The design uses a square 37 by 37 millimeter format. In addition, each printed sheet measures 130 by 104 millimeters.
Authorities capped total production at 42,000 stamps, distributed across 7,000 sheets. Because of this limited run, the release is likely to be seen as a special anniversary stamp that is especially interesting to postage stamp collectors.
Russia has released a postage stamp honoring the 250 year anniversary of the birth of the first leader of Modern Greece and Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire, Ioannis Kapodistrias 🇷🇺🇬🇷☦️ pic.twitter.com/FLQ3z4uuWA
— Christopher Helali (@ChrisHelali) February 11, 2026
Production and distribution
JSC Marka manages the production and distribution of the stamp through Russia’s official philatelic program. The company oversees national stamp releases and develops related collector products.
For example, it also produces postal stationery, themed albums, first day covers, and special cancellation marks linked to commemorative issues. In this case, the Kapodistrias stamp joins the organization’s historical figure portfolio.
Kapodistrias legacy and political significance
The anniversary issue recognizes Kapodistrias as a diplomatic figure with cross border influence and long-term political impact. Kapodistrias’ work shaped both foreign policy in Russia and the institutional foundations of modern Greece. Born on Corfu on February 11, 1776, when the island was under Venetian rule, Kapodistrias came from a noble family. He studied philosophy and law and became a sought-after diplomat who later became Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia (1816-1822).
Upon assuming the role of the first governor of the independent Greek state, he built its institutions from the ground up, drawing upon his personal wealth to support the undertaking. In 1822, he settled in Geneva, Switzerland, where he contributed to the establishment of the Swiss Federation and received the title of honorary citizen. He remained there until 1827 and, at the same time, supported the Greek Revolution.
On March 30, 1827, the National Assembly of Trizina elected him Governor of the newly established Greek state. He then held consultations in European capitals to secure support for the new state. Afterward, he arrived in Nafplio on January 7, 1828, where crowds welcomed him with celebrations. Later that year, on July 28, he introduced the Phoenix as the national currency and founded the National Mint. On September 24, he established the first postal service.
