Exciting Weekend for Philatelists: Omniva Releases Three New Stamps and Presents Estonian Philately in Japan
Today, Omniva releases a new stamp dedicated to the common juniper and tomorrow marks the launch of a brand-new series titled Great Estonians, featuring scientists Viktor Masing and Alma Tomingas as the first honourees. Over the weekend, Omniva will showcase Estonian fauna at the Stamp Show 2025 in Tokyo.
The stamp featuring the common juniper (Juniperus communis), released today, is the fourth in the Estonian Forest Trees series. Designed by Jaan Saar, the stamp has a print run of 20,000.
The release coincides with the conference Common Juniper – More Than an Evergreen Shrub, taking place at the Tallinn Botanic Garden. Estonian scientists and nature experts will explore the significance of the juniper in our ecosystems, folklore, medicine, and landscaping. The new stamp will also be officially presented at the event.
Previous stamps in the series include those featuring the common oak (2024), Norway spruce (2023), and silver birch (2022).
Globally influential Estonians featured on stamps
On 11 April, the new stamp series Great Estonians will be launched. The series highlights Estonians whose contributions to science, culture, and society have had a global impact.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of ecologist Viktor Masing, whose lifelong fascination with the secrets of nature led him to pioneer research on Estonia’s wetlands and forests, laying the foundation for modern nature conservation in the country. “Masing’s legacy continues to inspire all those seeking a deeper understanding and harmony with nature,” said Hannes Nagel, Head of Philately at Omniva.
This year also marks the 125th anniversary of pharmacologist Alma Tomingas. Her research into the healing power of nature paved the way for domestic pharmaceutical studies and made a significant contribution to Estonian medical science.
“The print run for the first stamps in the Great Estonians series is significantly smaller than usual, so we encourage interested collectors to act quickly – they are very likely to sell out fast,” noted Nagel. Both stamps, designed by Triin Heimann, will be issued in a print run of 12,000 each.
All three stamps released this week are priced at €1.30 and are valid for domestic postage within Estonia. The stamps, first day covers, and information cards are available at the Omniva e-shop and post offices across Estonia. The official First Day Stamp with juniper will be used at the Tallinna Kaubamaja post office, while the Great Estonians series First Day Stamps will be used at the Tartu Kvartali post office.
Japanese collectors especially interested in Estonian fauna
This weekend, Omniva will participate in the Tokyo Stamp Show 2025 – one of Japan’s most important philatelic events, bringing together numerous collectors.
“Our participation is made possible thanks to a long-standing partnership with the Japan Philatelic Company, which has been distributing Estonian stamps in Japan for decades,” explained Hannes Nagel.
According to Nagel, Japanese collectors are particularly fond of stamps featuring Estonian fauna. This year, there is increased interest in Omniva’s 2023 red deer and 2024 European mink stamps, both of which will be honoured with special exhibition postmarks created by Japanese organizers.
This year’s visit to the exhibition is especially notable as, for the first time, Omniva will bring back and sell a limited number of First Day Covers (FDCs) bearing Tokyo exhibition postmarks.
“We want Estonian philatelists to be part of this special occasion as well, even though Japan is too far for many local collectors. That’s why we have created 80 unique stamp sets with Tokyo exhibition postmarks, which will be available from April 11 at the Tallinna Kaubamaja post office and Omniva’s e-shop,” added Nagel.
In 2025, Omniva will issue 30 stamps celebrating significant national and societal events. Omniva’s stamps are printed at Vaba Maa printing house, using FSC-certified paper to ensure responsible forestry practices.