Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776–1831) was a count, a statesman, a Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire (1815–1822), and the first ruler of independent Greece (1827–1831).
Ioannis Kapodistrias was born on February 11 of 1776 in Greece. Having graduated from the University of Padua with a degree in philosophy and medicine, he entered the diplomatic service in his homeland. From 1799, he worked as chief physician at the Russian military hospital on the island of Corfu. In 1803, he held the post of State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Ionian Islands, and in 1807, he became head of the local police.
In 1812–1813, he was head of the diplomatic office of the commander-in-chief of the Russian Danube Army with the rank of actual state councilor. In 1814–1815, he was Russia's envoy to Switzerland. He participated in the creation of general principles of the state structure and the determination of the international neutrality status of the Swiss Confederation.
On August 30 of 1815, Ioannis Kapodistrias was appointed State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire and, until 1822, he actually administered (in liaison with Karl von Nesselrode) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On April 11 of 1827, the Third National Assembly in Troezen elected Count I. Kapodistrias as the Governor of Greece for seven years.
The postage stamp provides a portrait of Ioannis Kapodistrias.
| Paper |
Printing method |
Perforation |
Format of the stamp |
Edition |
| Chalk surfaced |
Offset + security system |
Comb 11¼ |
37 × 37 mm |
42 thousand stamps |