With their diversity in themes and innovative designs, the special stamps issued by Hongkong Post are popular among philatelists and members of the public.
In 2012/13, Hongkong Post issued 11 sets of special stamps, two stamp sheetlets and six Heartwarming Stamps mini-panes, covering a broad range of themes.
Historical milestones and special events were celebrated with the issuance of stamps and stamp sheetlets to mark the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Games of the XXX Olympiad London 2012, the achievements of the Hong Kong delegations at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the 150th Anniversary of Stamp Issuance in Hong Kong and the 150th Anniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The “Year of the Snake” series received a warm reception from both philatelists and the general public. Special stamps featuring “Hong Kong Festivals” and “Hong Kong Delicacies” also added local flavour to our 2012/13 stamp collection.
In response to popular demand, a new stamp sheetlet series on world heritage in China was launched, starting with the theme on the Great Wall. In collaboration with La Poste, a joint stamp issue showcased 19th century paintings and contemporary sculptures from Hong Kong and France.
To promote interest in philately among young people, a set of special stamps on the “12 Western Zodiac Signs” was issued, together with a variety of associated philatelic products. Special stamps on the theme of “My Pet and I”, with a stamp design that particularly appealed to children, were released. Also on the theme of animals, special stamps featuring “Working Dogs in Government Services” were released.
Innovative stamp designs and special printing effects aroused interest and enhanced the aesthetic value of the special stamps issued during the year. The 22K gold-plated lace metal stamp sheetlet, “Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals – Dragon/ Snake”, was the first of its kind in the world. Perforations in the shape of a cross were adopted for the stamp sheets on the theme of “The 150th Anniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross”. Silk screen printing was used on the “World Heritage in China Series No. 1: The Great Wall” stamp sheetlet to create a special tactile and visual effect. For the special stamps on the theme of “Hong Kong Insects II”, the name of each species in both Chinese and English was incorporated into the insect image inconspicuously in micro-print.
Interest in stamps and stamp collecting is promoted through community-wide public education and promotional campaigns. Leveraging on the 150th anniversary of stamp issuance in Hong Kong, Hongkong Post launched a roving exhibition in December 2012. After displays at the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Postal Gallery at the General Post Office and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre at Kowloon Park, the exhibition will move into districts in 2013/14. In parallel, related philately talks have been organised to promote philately to a broad audience, particularly young people.
One of our most successful out-reach programmes in 2012/13, the 12th Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition, was held in May 2012. The competition received an enthusiastic response and the winning entries were subsequently put on display at many public venues.
From design and production through to delivery, Hongkong Post offers a one-stop customised service by providing a broad variety of stamps that highlight different facets of Hong Kong as well as Heartwarming Stamps on the themes of “Celebrations” and “Love and Care”. In 2012/13, we developed three new designs of stamp panes under our Heartwarming Stamps Customised Service.
Please click here to download The Year in Stamps [PDF, 2 pages of 819KB]