This striking Russian stamp began life as a 15 kopeck Imperial Arms issue, printed in carmine and blue. During the early Soviet period, due to rampant inflation, the stamp was surcharged with bold black overprints: a large five-pointed star symbolizing the new Soviet regime, and a revaluation to 200 rubles. Such overprints represent the turbulent transition from Imperial Russia to the Soviet Union and are highly sought after by collectors of revolutionary and provisional issues. Authentic surcharges on Imperial stock often display distinct variations in inking and positioning, adding to their philatelic interest.