A time when postal stamps were used instead of currency notes !!!

In Russia, the February Revolution of 1917 forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate. A Provisional Government was then established under the leadership of Prince Georgy Yevgenyevich Lvov. That government was formed in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg). The government aimed to establish a constitutional and democratic political system in post-revolutionary Russia, resolve socio-economic problems, and continue Russia's involvement in World War I. Generally moderates and liberals were behind this government.

This government faced many challenges, including the ongoing war, economic difficulties, and the rise of radical political movements, particularly the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin. At the time, the Provisional Government also faced a Duel Power situation, sharing power with the Petrograd Soviet, a workers' and soldiers' council. This dual power arrangement created political instability. The Provisional Government's inability to solve the socio-political problems Russians were experiencing eroded popular support for it. Uprisings like The July Days and the Kornilov Affair further weakened the Provisional Government.

As mentioned earlier, the shortage of common currency was a consequence of the severe economic challenges faced by the Provisional Government. To solve this problem, some institutions have started issuing emergency currencies. These often differed from traditional forms. One such form was the use of postage stamps as temporary currency. On the back is written a text in Russian which means "It circulates at par with copper coin" in English. These stamp currencies were not officially issued by the government, but were a temporary unofficial solution to economic instability and the scarcity of traditional currency. It is important to note that it was by no means a formal or stable monetary system.

Finally, in the October Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government and seized power and Soviet Russia (USSR) came into being. As the new government introduced its own currency and took measures to stabilize the economy, the Stamp Currency system became unnecessary.

Although not in circulation, these stamp notes are a favorite among stamp and note collectors. In a sense, it is the smallest currency in use in the world so far. But there are note collectors who do not even accept it as a currency.