3rd issue.
Half-kopeck levy: a monetary levy in the amount of 1/2 kopeck, charged on each pood of cargo imported and exported through the port (except timber). Vessels delivering cobblestones for paving streets were exempt from the levy.
The half-kopeck levy was one of the port dues and was established by a special government decree. The proceeds from this levy remained at the disposal of the port city and were used for urban improvements. Most often, such a levy was introduced for a specific purpose: development of port infrastructure, paving of city streets and roads, обеспечение water supply, etc.
For the first time in the Russian Empire, this levy was introduced in Odessa in 1801 for each pood of goods exported from the Odessa port abroad (most of the exported cargo consisted of grain). Initially, its proceeds were used to cover city expenses and to build a sewer system; later, for improving port facilities and paving the streets used to haul cargo to the port.
Receipt stamps were printed with stubs and bound into booklets. The left part (the receipt) remained with the fiscal office, and the right part (the stamp) was issued to the payer. Only the right-hand parts have survived to our time. The design and text of the receipt are unknown.