Description: This is an authentic postal definitive issue from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), serving as a core higher-value denomination from the long-running post-war Eighth Definitive Issue. The primary graphic composition features a detailed, fine-line engraving of the State Coat of Arms of the USSR, showcasing the hammer and sickle overlaying the globe, illuminated by a rising sun and enclosed within wrapped stalks of wheat below a five-pointed star. Running directly beneath the emblem, a curved white banner reads "ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ ГЕРБ И ФЛАГ СССР" (State Coat of Arms and Flag of the USSR), cascading elegantly into a draped presentation of the national hammer-and-sickle flag layout. The absolute top margin features the standard "ПОЧТА СССР" (Postage USSR) block inscription flanked by industrial lightning bolt design accents, while the lower left corner balances the layout with a clear text panel identifying the face value as "40 копеек" (40 Kopecks). This heavily traveled specimen shows an extensive black ink circular town datestamp cancellation that cuts broadly across the lower left section and center-left border.
Circa: 1948
Condition: Used - Hinged
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