6. May

This Year’s Europa Stamp Series Showcases National Archaeological Discoveries

This year, the central theme of the Europa stamp series is national archaeological discoveries. Contributing to this year’s series, on 9 May, Latvijas Pasts will release a stamp and specially designed envelope dedicated to a rare archaeological find — the Razbuki necklace, an individually crafted ornament that signified special social status for its wearer. These new philatelic items were designed by artist Arta Ozola-Jaunarāja, who skilfully brought to light not only the unique value of the ornament, but also its cultural and historical significance.

Philately

This Year’s Europa Stamp Series Showcases National Archaeological Discoveries

The new stamp, issued in 10,000 copies, and the specially designed envelope, available in a limited edition of 500 copies, both feature the Razbuki necklace. Such ornaments are rare in Latvia, and the Razbuki necklace, dating to the 3^rd century, is the most remarkable finding of its kind. Only a few similar specimens have been discovered in the Baltic regions of Lithuania and East Prussia. Each such ornament is an individually handcrafted piece, unique and unrepeated, symbolising the special social status of its wearer.

Personal adornments or ornaments crafted using the pierced openwork technique are considered as the most exceptional ornamental metalwork achievement of the Early or Roman Iron Age in the Baltic region. They best exemplify the geometric style so characteristic of the Balts. It emerged in the Western Baltic region, encompassing East Prussia, West Lithuania and South-West Latvia, during the 1^st and 2^nd centuries. Its development was shaped by the influence of Celtic and Roman provincial cultures, which spread through the area along the Amber Road.

The Razbuki necklace exemplifies the advanced metalworking craftsmanship in Latvia during that period, revealing cultural distinctiveness of the Baltic peoples within the broader European context.

The stamp has a face value of €3.77, which covers the postage for international letter correspondence weighing up to 20 grams.

The new stamp and specially designed envelope will initially be sold at post offices in major cities as well as on the Latvijas Pasts e-store https://veikals.pasts.lv/. The first cancellation of the stamps will take place on 9 May at the post office at 41/43 Elizabetes Street, Riga, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Initiated by the European Postal Union, or PostEurop, the Europa stamp series has been issued in Latvia since 1994, featuring a common theme and logo shared across Europe. In previous years, stamps in this series have been dedicated to themes such as ornithology, literature, natural landmarks, travel, postal transport, ancient toys, eco-friendly lifestyles, castles, railways, ancient postal routes, myths and legends, and more.

The next philatelic issue is scheduled for 22 May.

Philatelic products released by Latvijas Pasts are highly appreciated among customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations have evaluated stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts according to strict standards as equivalent to those from the largest countries. They are regularly included both in the catalogues of globally recognised philatelic products and in the collections of renowned philatelists.