2017-07-07 Fri

A stamp show and exhibition called Finlandia 2017 was held from 24th to 28th May in Tampere Hall, as a part of celebrations that marked Finland’s 100th anniversary after independence. It was organised with the support of Federation of European Philatelic Associations (FEPA).

The exhibition showcased several beautiful stamps from all over the world. Many large gold medals were awarded at the event. Covers carried by Pony Express and other Western express companies were some of the highlights. It belonged to the “Vignettes of Western Trails and Routes” collection which got a gold medal as well. Very rare Finnish stamps and covers were offered under the collection “Steamship Companies and their Stamps”.

Hellman Auctions Ltd’s new book called Agathon Faberge — Portrait of a Philatelist, by Kaj Hellman and Jeffrey C. Stone, was also given a gold medal. Faberge (1876-1951) was a famous Russian philatelist who lived in Finland in the final years of his life. He had a huge collection of stamps from Russia, Russian Levant, and Finland, but he is famous for his Zemstvo stamps. The Finnish postal service released a souvenir sheet with two non-denominated stamps worth a face value of €2.60. A new variety of the 1988 Agathon Faberge booklet was sold for sold for €30. The attendance was impressive and visitors had a great time enjoying philatelic delights.