Mariner 10 flies past Venus

Mariner 10 flies past Venus

On February 5, 1974, the US Mariner 10 probe flew past Venus.

USPS Mariner 10

Mariner 10 stamp issued by US post office on April 4, 1975

NASA launched Mariner November 3, 1973, at 05:45:00 UTC. It took 4 months to reach Venus on its way to Mercury. The Mariner managed to fly within 3,584 miles (5,768 kilometers) of Venus. 

Over 45 stamps, from around the world have been issued to commemorate this event.    

Mariner 10 was the seventh successful launch in the Mariner series and the first spacecraft to visit Mercury. It was also the first spacecraft to use the gravitational pull of one planet (Venus) to reach another (Mercury), and the first spacecraft mission to visit two planets. The spacecraft flew by Mercury three times in a retrograde heliocentric orbit and returned images and data on the planet. Mariner 10 returned the first-ever close-up images of Venus and Mercury. The primary scientific objectives of the mission were to measure Mercury’s environment, atmosphere, surface, and body characteristics and to make similar investigations of Venus. Secondary objectives were to perform experiments in the interplanetary medium and to obtain experience with a dual-planet gravity-assist mission. 
NASA – NSSDCA – Spacecraft – Details

Mariner 10

In total, 4,165 photos were sent back to NASA by Mariner. 

Rosa Parks Day – USA

Rosa Parks Day – USA

Rosa Parks Day

February 4, 2024

Rosa Parks Day

United States Feb. 4, 2013 
using an original oil on canvas painting by Thomas Blackshear II
designer: Derry Noyes

Rosa Louise Parks was nationally recognized as the “mother of the modern day civil rights movement” in America. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, December 1, 1955, triggered a wave of protest December 5, 1955 that reverberated throughout the United States. Her quiet courageous act changed America, its view of black people and redirected the course of history. 
BIOGRAPHY | Rosa Parks 

 

 

 

Celebrating EUROMED 2023 – Mediterranean Festivals

Celebrating EUROMED 2023 – Mediterranean Festivals

EUROMED 2023 stamps celebrate the diversity of festivals around the Mediterranean. EUROMED is a joint stamp issuing program involving countries in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Each year a common theme is agreed upon and participating countries create stamps and covers devoted to the topic. 

Traditionally EUROMED explores and promotes cultural & regional ties. As well the program explores the shared history & issues facing the Mediterranean. Each country puts their own spin on the theme, creating a fascinating peek into Euro-Mediterranean culture.
Who makes up EUROMED?

  • European Union Member States, located in the Mediterranean region, Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and Cyprus.
  • Mediterranean Basin Countries in the southern and eastern Mediterranean, such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.
  • Non EU with Mediterranean coastline like Monaco.
  • Mediterranean Island Nations of Malta and Cyprus.

Not all countries issue EUROMED stamps; some are occasional participants. But there are still plenty of great stamps to hunt down.
This year’s theme is Festivals of all shapes and sizes. Everything from singing to … well, just check them out and enjoy.

Croatia

Moreška

EUROMED - Mediterranean Festivals - Moreška 

EUROMED - Mediterranean Festivals - Moreška 

EUROMED - Mediterranean Festivals - Moreška 

1 stamp, FDC, sheet of 16
offset 

Moreška Sword Dance

Designer: Dean Roksandić
Photographer: Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić

Release date: July 10, 2023


Cyprus

Rose Festival of Argos

 EUROMED 2023 - Mediterranean Festival

EUROMED 2023 - Mediterranean Festival FDC 

EUROMED 2023 - Mediterranean Festival sheet 

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of8

Rose Festival of Argos celebrated it’s 15th year in May of 2023

Rose festival returns to Agros | Cyprus Mail (cyprus-mail.com)

Designer: unknown

Release date: July 10, 2023


Egypt

Euromed-2023--Festivals Euromed-2023--Festivals Euromed-2023--Festivals

3 stamps
offset

I could find no information on the festival celebrated. If you can offer a bit of info, please leave a comment. 

Release date: June 2023


France

 Festivals| Arles the Capital of Photography

Arles the Rencontres de la photographie cancel EUROMED 

Arles the Rencontres de la photographie EUROMED 

Arles the Rencontres de la photographie sheet

1 stamp, cancel, sheets of 15
offset

This is France’s entry to the annual EUROMED competition. This year’s theme is Mediterranean Festivals

The Rencontres d’Arles, an annual photography festival, was founded in 1970 by Arles photographer Lucien Clergue, writer Michel Tournier and historian Jean-Maurice Rouquette. Originally a simple meeting place between photography lovers, they have become over the years a major cultural event. Arles Photography Encounters | The ink square (lecarredencre.fr)

This year’s festival takes place between July 4 to Sept. 24, 2023 HOME – Les Rencontres d’Arles (rencontres-arles.com)

Designer: Design ABM Studio
Photographer: Alessandro Mosalini

Release date: July 10, 2023


Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival

Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival cancel 

Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival two stamps 

Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival souvenir sheet Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival Sheet of 16 Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival FDC Greece EUROMED 2023 - Mediterranean Festivals

Kalamata Dance Festival booklet Greece 

Kalamata Dance Festival pack

2 stamps, booklet, sheets of 16, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel (in gold), numbered pack
polychrome offset

The 29th Kalamata Dance Festival took place July 14-23 in the city of Kalamata. It’s a celebration of modern dance, which includes a number of seminars focused on bringing dance closer to the audience. Who we are – Kalamata Dance Festival

Designer: Anthoula Lynga

Release date: July 10, 2023


Malta

Malta International Fireworks Festival

Malta EUROPMED 2023 stamp2
EUROMED 2023 - Mediterranean Festivals Malta EUROPMED 2023 stamp1 Malta EUROPMED FDC 2023 Malta EUROMED Presentation pack 2023 

2 stamps on minisheets, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
offset

Two shots from the Malta International Fireworks Festival . The 2023 21st Festival took place April 2023.

Designer: Malta Post
Photographers:  Sebio Aquilina, Michele Agius

Release date: July 19, 2023


Morocco

Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival

EUROMED: Mediterranean Festivals 

EUROMED: Mediterranean Festivals FDC

1 stamp, FDC, cancel

Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival – Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival (festivaltetouan.org)

Designer: Abdelkrim Ouazzani Thami  

Release date: July 10, 2023


Portugal

Mediterranean Diet Fair of Tavira 

  Euromed Mediterranean Festivals stamp two Euromed Mediterranean Festivals stamp one Euromed Mediterranean Festivals FDC 

Euromed Mediterranean Festivals folder Euromed Mediterranean Festivals folder inside

2 stamps, FDC, cancel, information folder
offset

Mediterranean Diet Fair – UNESCO Med Diet (mediterraneandietunesco.org)

This festival took place Sept. 8th to 11th, the first appearance post pandemic. The Mediterranean diet is recognised as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is more than just a celebration of cuisine, it’s a celebration of Mediterranean history and culture. 

The Mediterranean diet involves a set of skills, knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, processing, cooking, and particularly the sharing and consumption of food. Eating together is the foundation of the cultural identity and continuity of communities throughout the Mediterranean basin. Mediterranean diet – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO

Designer: MAD Activities
Release date: July 10, 2023


Slovenia

Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival

Slovenia EUROMED 2023 Slovenia EUROMED 2023 FDC

1 stamp, FDC, cancel

Winner of the Greatest Hunger Inducing Stamp of 2023?

You will not find the word altroké in the dictionary, but only in the Istrian dialect and means of course. In 2021, it was used to name an excellent gastronomic festival, Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival, which means Of course, an Istrian festival for good-livers.

The basic feature of the festival is the organization of several gastronomic meetings in different places, both in the urban and rural environment of the Slovenian part of Istria. According to the gastronomic typology, culinary markets, which take place once a week from May to August and offer a range of Istrian local and regional dishes, as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages gathered for tables. Guests can find fish and shellfish, famous pasta fuže with truffles, various egg herbal fritai or frtalje, Istrian meats, including Istrian prosciutto. There are also some of the global dishes typical of street food. There is no shortage of fried fritols or mice and, of course, excellent Istrian wines, spirits and natural refreshing drinks.

The Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival grew on the experience of a two-day mass culinary event in Koper, which was dessert-oriented and was called Sweet Istria.

Janez Bogataj, PhD Land of stamps – EUROMED POSTAL – Festivals of the Mediterranean (dezelaznamk.si)

Designer: Borut Bončina

Release date: July 10, 2023


Spain

Festivals of Spain

Spain EUROMED 2023 Postcard cancel 

Spain EUROMED 2023 Postcard stamp 

Spain EUROMED 2023 Postcard souvenir sheet Spain EUROMED 2023 Postcard FDC Spain EUROMED 2023 Postcard front Spain EUROMED 2023 Postcard back 

1 stamp, souvenir sheets of 6, FDC, cancel, stamped postcard
offset

Some of the festivals represented in this issue include the FIB, Primavera Sound Barcelona, Som Festival, Medusa Festival

Release date: July 10, 2023
 

Tunisia

2 festivals celebrated – Music and Film

EUROMED 2023: Mediterranean Festivals stamp one  EUROMED 2023: Mediterranean Festivals stamp two

 

EUROMED 2023: Mediterranean Festivals FDC Tunisia's 2023 stamp program

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel

Designer: Tunisian post office

Release date: July 11, 2023

 

Auspicious Dragon presents the 2024 Lunar New Year

Auspicious Dragon presents the 2024 Lunar New Year

Dragon will soon chase off rabbit to usher in the coming 2024 Lunar New Year. Creatively speaking, this will be an awesome year. We should expect to see classic and memorable designs, especially from China, Vietnam and Korea and more than a few unorthodox interpretations of the Year of the Dragon theme. It will be a curious and fascinating look at an ancient mythological symbol.

Dragons can be found throughout the world, taking on different roles depending upon the culture writing about them. In the zodiac, dragons represent power and energy, and signifies a year of prosperity. They are deeply embedded in folk lore and mythology around the world, with many countries having age old tales of human/dragon interactions. You can read more about the dragon motif and how it has appeared on stamps, here A few curated sta … ooh look dragons! | Bitter Grounds Magazine.

Exit the Rabbit

Over 60 countries issued Lunar New Year stamps in 2023, including the first NFT stamp by the USA. Designs ranged from Argentina’s untraditional but heartwarming teacher reading to her little bunnies to Azerbaijan’s suspicious rabbits in cloaks. I have to confess, I absolutely adore the cloaked rabbits. They remind me of little spy rabbits who have seen things … very, very dark things.

Although there were a lot of captivating designs, China’s pair were the ones I grew to appreciate and love the most. Created by legendary Chinese artist Huang Yongyu 黄 永玉, the stamps tell a story about both Huang and the Rabbit.

The first stamp, titled “Wise Rabbit”, is ready with a pen and card in hand (.. paw?) to send you greetings. The blue colouring symbolises good wishes for the New Year. The second stamp is titled “Symbiosis in the Same Circle”. The rabbits are running in a circle, displaying the cycle of agility, vitality and warmth. It’s difficult to see the pattern on the 2nd stamps background, but it’s there. The pattern is described as 玉兔捣药”纹饰  or in a bad translation Jade Rabbit pounding medicine. This represents a wish for good health and happiness despite the pandemic. 

China’s Year of the Rabbit stamps revealed | Bitter Grounds Magazine

Huang Yongyu was still designing stamps and creating art up until his death in June of 2023 at the age of 98. In an interview 24 years ago, Huang said “Painting is something you do all your life. I guess, I’ll be painting until I die”. Last year, he stated he hoped to be around to design the Lunar New Year stamp when he turned 100. Unfortunately, for lovers of his work, this will not happen.

His rabbit was not received favourably by everyone. There were complaints about the “demonic” gaze of the red eyed rabbit and an overall lack of warmth and cuddliness. Despite these complaints, Huang’s stamps sold out rapidly when they went on sale. There were reports of long lineups of people eager to purchase them, a fitting tribute to Huang’s talents.

Vietnam rejoins the Lunar cycle in 2024. Vietnam’s calendar departs slightly from the zodiac animals, using a cat instead a rabbit. For the fourth year in a row artist/designer Nguyễn Quang Vinh designed the Tết (New Year) set, using bright colours and strong family oriented images to usher in the new year. I’ve already begun daily checks on Vietnam’s website in hopes of spotting an early release of their Lunar New Year design.

You can read more about this set and why Vietnam uses a different animal here Tết Quý Mão – Vietnamese New Year 2023 – Year of the Cat (bittergrounds.com).

The 2024 Lunar New Year begins

The new year begins with the rise of a new moon on Feb. 9, 2024. In anticipation of the celebration, post offices often reveal their stamps long before Feb. with many going on sale in December and January, so people can purchase stamps for the occasion. Stamps will be released throughout the year, with the majority coming between December and the first week in February. But there are always stragglers, and ones I’ve missed, so it’s always a good idea to pop back periodically to see if there are changes.

Have a prosperous New Year.

Cheers
Catpaw

A

Åland

Lunar New Year – Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon sheet Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon FDC Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon prepaid mark

Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon post card Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon card back side

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, prepaid postcard (red dragon)
offsest

Designer: Martin Mörck
Mörck returns once again for the next stamp in the New Year cycle. He began the series in 2014 with the Sheep. 

Release date: October 20, 2023


Armenia

Lunar New Year Armenia FDC cancel
Lunar New Year Armenia single stamp
Lunar New Year Armenia FDC
Lunar new year.sheet

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8
lithography

Designer: David Dovlatyan Դավիթ Դովլաթյանի

Release date: October 31, 2023

 

2024 Lunar New Year banner one

B

Belarus

Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon cancel 

Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon single stamp 

 Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon FDC 

Belarus 2024 Year of the Dragon sheet of 6 stamps

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 6 
offset, thermal printing with gold foil  

Artist: Viktar Chaichuk
Designer: Yauheniya Biadonik

Release date: January 30, 2024


Bhutan

 Bhutan Year of dragon stamp

 Bhutan Year of Dragon FDC 2024

Bhutan Year of Dragon sheet 2024

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, sheet of 12 (showing entire lunar cycle)

Designer: Bhutan Post

Release date: February 8, 2024


Bosnia Hercegovina

Lunar horoscope - year of the dragon single stamp 

 Lunar horoscope - year of the dragon FDC

Lunar horoscope - year of the dragon sheet

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 8 + label 
offset

Designer: Tanja Kuruzovic

Release date: February 9, 2024


Bulgaria

Bulgaria 2024 Year of the dragon souvenir sheet

1 stamp on souvenir sheet
Sheets are numbered with a total of 3,600 sheets released 

Designer: Angelina Konsova

Release date: February 23, 2024


C

China

Lunar New Year Dragon China

 

1 stamp

Designer/artist: 潘鲁生 Pan Lusheng
Release date: November 11, 2023

China will release a number of stamps for the Lunar New Year in January. 

Wang Huming returns for another Chinese New Year with this set of dragons:

Year of Dragon Wan Huming's stamps Year of Dragon Wan Huming's stamps Year of Dragon Wan Huming's stampsFDC 

2 stamps, FDC, cancel

Designer: Wang Huming

Release date: January 5, 2024


Christmas Island

YEar of Dragon cancel 

2024-christmas-islan-lny-dragon-3.png.auspostimage.0_0.high 2024-christmas-island-lny-dragon-2.png.auspostimage.0_0.high 2024-christmas-island-lny-dragon-1.png.auspostimage.550_0.medium

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Minisheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon First Day Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon First Day Coversouvenir sheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon International Prepaid Envelope Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon First Day Coversouvenir sheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Zodiac Sheet Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Stamp Pack Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Prepaid Postcard 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Calendar Sheetlet Pack Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gutter Strips 

 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Prestige Postal Numismatic Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Gold Minisheet in Folder Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon 888 Gold Minisheet 

Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Postal Numismatic Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Postal Numismatic Cover – Dragon  Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Medallion in Card Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Medallion Cover Christmas Island Lunar New Year of the Dragon Medallion Collection

3 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 pre-paid covers, sheet of 15 (3×5), stamp pack, pre-paid postcard, sheet pack, 3 gutter sheets (only one shown),
numismatic and medallion covers, gold dragon souvenir sheet, gold souvenir sheet folder
offset, gold foiling

Artist: Chrissy Lau
Chrissy’s Lunar New Year designs have appeared on Guernsey’s  stamps as well as Christmas Island
Designer: Sharon Rodziewicz

Release date: January 29, 2024


F

France

  CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 

CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 CHinese New Year - French stamps 2024 cover

2 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets of 4, 1 souvenir sheet of 2 with cover
photogravure

On January 26, 2024 artist Chen Jiang Hong signing
from 10:30 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 16:00 p.m.

Location: 13 bis rue des Mathurins, 75009 PARIS

Artist: Chen JIANG HONG
Designer: Bruno Ghiringhelli

Release date: January 29, 2024


G

Gibraltar

Gibraltar Year of Dragon

Year of the Dragon souvenir sheet

Year of the Dragon FDC  Year of the Dragon FDC 2

Year of the Dragon pack

Year of the Dragon pack minisheet Gibraltar Year of Dragon sheetlet

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 2 presentation packs, sheets of 10
offset

Designer: Stephen Perera

Release date: February 20, 2024


H

Hong Kong

Year of the Dragon 2024 Hong Kong

4 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets, FDCs, cancel, red packs, 

Designer: Wong Chun Hong | 黃鎮康

Release date: January 5, 2024


Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet – Rabbit Flying Dragon

Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet - Rabbit Flying Dragon Hong Kong 2024 stamps

2 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDCs, cancel
with silver leaf and gold flakes

Designer: Wong Chun Hong | 黃鎮康

Release date: January 5, 2024


Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet – Complete Collector’s Edition

Zodiac Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet - Complete Collector's Edition

 

24 stamps on 2 sheetlets, FDCs, cancel 

Designer: Wong Chun Hong | 黃鎮康

Release date: January 5, 2024


Hungary

Hungary 2024 Year of dragon cancel 

 Hungary 2024 Year of dragon  sheet

Hungary 2024 Year of dragon FDC

2 stamps, 1 souvenir sheets, FDC, cancel 

This is the 11th Lunar New Year stamp issued by Hungary

Designer:  Katalin Bódi

Release date:  February 1, 2024


I

Isle of Man

Isle of Man Year of the Dragon stamp one Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  stamp 4 Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  stamp 3 Isle of Man Year of the Dragon stamp two 

Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  FDC Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  presentation pack Isle of Man Year of the Dragon  sheets

4 stamps, 4 sheets of 25, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
offset, metallic gold

Artwork: Jo Davies
 “Illustrating a set of stamps has been on my bucket list, especially one celebrating such a revered symbol. It’s an honour to represent the Year of the Dragon through art.” Jo Davies Isle of Man Post Office celebrates Chinese New Year – IoM Post
Designer: EJC Design

Release date: January 22, 2024


J

Japan

Japan Year of Dragon Cancel one
Japan Year of Dragon Cancel two

 

Japan Year of Dragon Stamp showiing toy dragon
2024 Lunar New Year
Japan Year o Dragon 2
2024 Lunar New Year
Japan Year of Dragon sheet one
Japan Year of Dragon sheet two

4 stamps, 2 cancels
5 colour gravure 

Japan continues with the Children’s Toy motif using works by Kawasaki Kyosen 川崎巨泉 (1877~1942)’s Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys (1919). 

Designer: 吉川 亜有美 Ayumi Yoshikawa
Yoshikawa began designing for Japan Post in 2017 and is now one of eight employed in Japan.

Ever since I was a child, I have loved drawing and detailed work such as handicrafts. When I was an art college student, I specialized in three-dimensional modeling …Everyone has a different way of designing stamps. I draw digitally, use watercolors and photographs.

Philatelic designer Ayumi Yoshikawa’s choice that led to a three-centimeter canvas : The Yomiuri Shimbun

Release date: November 1, 2023


Jersey

Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey

Isle of Jersey's Dragon stamps souveir 

 

Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  fdc with single stampFDC sheet Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  post card 

Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  pack  Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey   Lunar New Year - Year of the DragonJersey  shet 

1 stamp, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, postcard, 2 presentation packs, sheets of 10
offset with gold metallic ink

“… the dragon is the only zodiac animal which is a mythical creature, and is usually used as a symbol of power in China. Dragons are also seen as a symbol of good fortune, and those born within the year are considered naturally lucky and gifted. 

…. the designs are based on a Chinese style of painting and paper cutting. 

… the image on the £1.65 stamp sheet for the Lunar New Year- Year of the Dragon features a gold dragon, with a sharp red background. Golden dragons have been associated with powerful deities and harvest in Chinese culture. Additionally, red is seen as a colour of prosperity and joy…. 

The miniature sheet depicts a detailed Chinese dragon flying through the clouds. Wang Fu a Chinese historian and philosopher during the Eastern Han Dynesty suggested that the Chinese dragon’s unique appearance is due to it being a combination of many different animal features. These features include heads which are in similar shape to a camel, the ears of a bull, the antlers of a stag, the body of a snake, the armoured body belly of a clam, feet similar to a tigers, talons of an eagle and a body that includes the protective scales of a carp. … 
Roxanne Le Voguer, Philatelic Research and Marketing Executive, Jersey Post press release December 8, 2023

Designer: Wang Huming 王虎鸣

Release date: January 4, 2024

 


K

South Korea

South Korea cancel for Year of Dragon  

South Korea stamp  for Year of Dragon 

South Korea souvenir sheet for Year of Dragon 

South Korea sheets for Year of Dragon   South Korea info sheetfor Year of Dragon

2 stamps, souvenir sheet of 3, sheets of 16, info sheet
offset with Gold Foil / Holographic Foil

Designer: Eunkyung Park 박은경

Release date: January 12, 2024


L

Liechtenstein

 Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon single stamp

Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon souvenir sheet    Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon maxi 

Chinese Signs of the Zodiac - Dragon FDC

1 stamp, souvenir sheet of 4, maxi card, FDC, cancel 
gold foil stamping 

Designer: Leng Bingchuan

Release date: November 2023


M

Macau

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx cancel

 

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx 4 stamps
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx 4 blocks

 

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx Souvenir sheet

 

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx souvnerir sheet
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx souvenir sheet two

Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx 4 postcards

 

Souvenir Sheet with Souvenir Pack (Jointly issued by China, Hong Kong and Macao)
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx
Commemorative Cover (jointly issued by China and Australia)
Macau 2024 Year of the Dragon202401xxxxxxx Booklets

4 stamps, mini-panes of 4 blocks, souvenir sheet, 3 FDCs, cancel, 2 souvenir sheets, 4 postcards, booklets, souvenir packs, Souvenir Pack (jointly issued by Hong Kong and Macao), Souvenir Sheet with Souvenir Pack (Jointly issued by China, Hong Kong and Macao)
Includes a FDC joint issue with Australia and China
offset, with microprinting

The dragon is a totem in ancient times, and its prototype is a snake. In the great migration and integration of the Chinese nation In the long historical process, it has been continuously added, exaggerated and enriched by people of all ethnic groups, and it has finally become a totem that is compatible with many A strange form of worshiped dragon. Wang Fu, a scholar of the Eastern Han Dynasty, once described the image of a dragon like this: “The head is like a camel, the horns are like a deer, and the eyes are like a deer. It is like a rabbit, its ears are like an ox, its neck is like a snake, its belly is like a mirage, its scales are like a carp, its claws are like an eagle, its palms are like a tiger…” (“Qianfu Lun”) 
Macau Post press release Jan. 5, 2024

Designer: Lin Zien 林子恩
Lam Chi Yan|Macao Foundation (fmac.org.mo)
Zien designed Canada’s last Year of the Dragon stamps in 2010

Release date: January 5, 2024


Malaysia

Year of Dragon Malaysia souvenir shet 

Year of Dragon Malaysia  Cover Year of Dragon Malaysia card

5 stamps on souvenir sheet, envelope, greeting card
gold stamping

 

Designer: Malaysia Post
Release date: Feb. 2024

 


Malta

Malta's Year of the Dragon 2024 sheet

 Malta's Year of the Dragon 2024 FDC

Malta's Year of the Dragon 2024 pp

1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, presentation pack
offset

In Malta, we are privileged to enjoy the scenic and tranquil beauty of the “Chinese Garden of Serenity” situated in Santa Lucija. This garden offers a peaceful space for introspection and meditation. It reflects the local environment via the inclusion of the natural elements of rocks and water, symbolising Yin and Yang – life from birth to death. Walking through the Garden of Serenity, one discovers that it consists of several smaller gardens, separated by walls, sheltered corridors and secluded rooms where visitors have the opportunity to attempt some soul-searching while roaming freely in their thoughts. It is a truly serene landscape that provides calmness and inner tranquillity. Maltapost Philately – The Chinese Garden – Santa Lucija, Malta – The Year of the Dragon (maltaphilately.com)

Designer: Fabio Agius 

Release date: February 29, 2024


Moldovia

 :   Moldova Year of Dragon cancel 2  Moldova Year of Dragon cancel

 Moldova Yar of Dragon 2024

Moldova Yar of Dragon FDC

 1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, 2 cancels

The two cancels have different cancel dates. The second one accompanies the FDC. 

Designer: Vladimir Melnic
Melnic’s first stamp was the 2003 From The Red Book of the Republic of Moldova: Birds. He has designed stamps for both Moldova and Kyrgyzstan.

Release date: February 2, 2024

 


Mongolia

 2024 Year of Dragon stamps Mongolia

2024 Year of Dragon stamps Mongolia FDC

2 stamps with label, FDC, cancel

Designer: G. Battur

Release date: January 8, 2024


N

Netherlands

Year of Dragon Netherlands

1 stamp on souvenir sheets
offset

 

Designer: PostNL staff

Release date: January 1, 2024


New Zealand

New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp

Red FDC with souvenir sheet
Souvenir folder
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp
New Zealand Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon stamp

4 stamps, 24-carat gold foil souvenir sheet, 4 FDCs, presentation pack, 4 sheets of 20, also available stickers, pinback, medallions, barcode and logo blocks, framed stamps
offset

This set has also been released as a Crypto set. Year of the Dragon Crypto – New Zealand 2024 – Bitter Grounds Magazine

Designer: YMC Design
YMC (ymcdesign.co.nz) YMC has designed the past 3 Lunar New Year stamps, starting with the Ox in 2021.

Release date: December 6, 2023

2024 Lunar New Year banner in red

P

Philippines

Philippines Stamp two year of dragon Philippines stampone Year of dragon

Philippines souvenir sheet 

Philippines sheet of dragons  

Philippines dragon cover

2 stamps, stamp on souvenir sheet, sheet of 8, FDC
offset

Release date: January 3, 2024


Poynesia

Polynesia Year of the Wooden Dragon 

Polynesia Year of the Wooden Dragon 

1 stamp, sheets of 10 (FDC and cancel coming)
mixed

Designer/artist: Evard Chaussoy 
Raiatea born artist Évrard Chaussoy supplied the impressive sculpture for the Wooden Dragon release. He combines traditional New Year elements with a distinct Polynesian style.
Evrard Chaussoy, Artist – Tahiti, French Polynesia 

Release date: February 9, 2024 


R

Romania

 Romania stamp Year of Dragon 2024 

 Romania Year of Dragon 2024 maxi card

 Romania FDC Year of Dragon 2024

 Romania sheet Year of Dragon 2024 

1 stamp, maxi card, FDC, cancel, sheetlet of 4, sheets of 20
offset

Designer: George Ursachi  

Release date: February 8, 2024


S

Serbia

Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 cancel 

 Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 single stamp

 Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 FDC

Year of Dragon Serbia 2024 sheet of stamps

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10 
offset

Designer: Nadežda Skočajić

Release date: February 9, 2024


Singapore

Singapore 2 stamps for Year of Dragon
Year of Dragon Singapore  souvenir heet
Singapore FDC
Collector's Sheet comprises of $10 stamp and comes with a folder with angbao
Singapore presentation pack
Postcards
Sheets

2 stamps, mini pane, FDC, cancel, Collector’s Sheet comprises of $10 stamp and comes with a folder, presentation pack, 2 postcards, booklets of 10
offset with gold hot stamping

Artists: Lim An-ling (Stamps), Andy Koh (Collector’s Sheet)

Lim also designed Singapore’s yearly Lunar New Year stamps, starting with the 2020 Year of the Rat. Her designs include Singapore’s Myths and Legends Stamps (2016, 2014), Definitives (2013-2017)

An-ling is interested in the ways stories are told through artwork. She believes in experimenting, and the wonders of pen and brush.

Due to her experience working in production companies as an animator, her illustrative work often carries a sense of movement. Through the years, she has illustrated for postage stamps, books, campaigns, film posters, and artwork for home and hotel.

Info | My Site (musingcats.com)

Release date: January 5, 2024


Sint Maarten

Sit Maarten 2024 Year of the dragon 

10 stamps, sheets of 10
offset

 

Release date: February 10, 2024


T

Taiwan

Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year

New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents 2024 Lunar New Year
New Year's Stamps  Auspicious Dragon Presents the New Year

2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 sheets of 20
lithography

Designer: Zeng Kaizhi 曾凱智

Release date: December 12, 2023


Thailand

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn illustration of the year of the dragon
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn FDC
Sheets of stamps for Year of Dragon

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
offset

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn returns for another in the Lunar New Year cycle. This is the 9th stamp in the current calendar:

Artist: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Designer: Mr. Tanate Polchaiyawong

Release date: January 3, 2023

2024 Lunar New Year banner

U

United Nations

\UN Year of dragon sheets 

Year of Dragon Postcard 

UN Year of dragon postcard special UN Year of Dragon back of postcard

2 stamps on sheets of 10, postcard, special post card issued for the SARASOTA NAT’L STAMP EXHIBITION  January  19-21, 2024
offset

Designer: Pan Hu (Tiger Pan) 潘 虎
Pan Hu returns for his 3rd New Year Design.
联合国+潘虎|今年是龘Dá龘Dá设计师 (tigerpan.com)

Release date: January 19, 2024


United States

  USA Year of the Dragon stamp 

USA Year of the Dragon sheet of stamps  USA Year of the Dragon red envelopes USA Year of the Dragon pinback USA Year of the Dragon matte USA Year of the Dragon colour cancel USA Year of the Dragon FDC black cancel

1 stamp, sheets of 20, red envelopes, pinback, matte display, FDC, 2 cancels
offset, foil stamping, microprinting 

This set is also available as a crypto stamp Year of the Dragon CRYPTO – USA 2024 – Bitter Grounds Magazine

 Artist Camille Chew continues her annual Lunar New Year design with another in her paper mask designs. 

… Chew constructed the dragon mask out of hand-printed paper, then cut, scored, and folded it into shape. She embellished the mask with acrylic paint and other paper elements, like flowers and tassels, and covered the back of the mask in a layer of papier-mâché. The completed mask was photographed on a white background. 
USPS press release Jan. 25, 2024 

Designer: Camille Chew

  Release date:  January 25, 2024


V

Vietnam

Vietnam Year of the Dragon. TET   Vietnam Year of the Dragon. TET 

Vietnam Year of the Dragon. TET

TET Year of Dragon FDC TET Year of Dragon  FDC TET Year of Dragon souvenir stamp cover TET Year of Dragon  both stamps on cover

2 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet, 4 FDCs, cancel
offset

The souvenir stamp shows “

“the image of the dragon family flying up with the khanh clouds symbolizing peace and luck. The image of 9 dragons gathered on the pole symbolizes the winding Mekong River emptying into 9 sea gates, bringing richness to the agricultural economy of the Southwest.” VNPost news release

Read more about this set of stamps as well as the Vietnamese origin. story here Vietnam’s 2024 Tết stamps celebrating the dragon (bittergrounds.com)

Designer: Nguyễn Quang Vinh

Release date: December 24, 2023

2024 stamps by country & topicals

Bitter Grounds Magazine stamps, espresso & conversation Home This day in stamps Crypto Release Calendar Crypto & NFTs Catalogue Crypto & NFT Albums What are Cryptos-Stamps ? Year & Topical lists Espresso fueled mumblings blog Countries by year 2021...

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