News Archive July - December 2017

Latest update of this archive: 23 August, 2018

For older items, see News Archive January - June 2017
News Archive July - December 2016
News Archive January - June 2016
News Archive July - December 2015
News Archive January - June 2015
News Archive July - December 2014
News Archive January - June 2014
News Archive July - December 2013
News Archive January - June 2013
News Archive July - December 2012
News Archive January - June 2012
News Archive July - December 2011
News Archive January - June 2011
News Archive July - December 2010
News Archive January - June 2010
News Archive 2009
News Archive 2008
News Archive 2006-2007.

22 December 2017:

Ukrainian Cartoons

19 December 2017: Ancient Roman Arenas in Israel

11 December 2017:

Djibouti Cats

On 11 December 2017, Djibouti issued a minature sheet of 4 stamps each denominated DJF 240, showing

Furthermore, there's a single-stamp MS denominated DJF 950 showing an Abyssinian.

Unfortunately we haven't been able to find scans of these stamps yet.

Reported by Geir Arveng

7 December 2017:

Guyana Jaguars

Reported by Geir Arveng

24 November 2017:

Latvian Christmas Kitty

One of Latvia's Christmar stamps shows a little cat sitting on top of Father Christmas' backpack. The stamp is denominated EUR 0.78 - basic postage to European addresses.

Reported by Marci Jarvis

30 November 2017:

Normandy-Niemen Miniature Sheet

Following the Russia-France Joint issue from 1 September 2017, France's La Poste issued a Miniature Sheet on 30 November 2017 with the stamp from September and a new stamp with the same design, but printed in black and red only. The missing colours from the stamp are printed on a stamp-sized label below the new stamp. The new stamp is also denominated EUR 1.30. The MS was only sold in a presentation pack by the Philatelic Service at EUR 6.20 (franking value 2.60).

Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö

22 November 2017:

Japanese Greeting Stamps

Japan Post issues a set of greeting stamps on 22 November 2017. There are sheetlets of stamps denominated JPY 62, 82, and 92, and three of the JPY 62 stamps shows a tortie cat.

Reported by Geir Arveng

21 November 2017:

25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Armenia and Russia

 

16 November 2017:

Joint Issue: Lion Statues from China and Cambodia

 

13 November 2017:

Liechtenstein Lynx

 

9 November 2017:

Lynx Stamps from Pošte Srpske

 

4 November 2017:

Kyrgyzstan Lynx

 

30-31 October 2017:

Lions International Centenary Celebrated in Italy

26 October 2017:

Sindelfingen Stamp Fair

On 26 October 2017 a special postmark will be in use at the International Stamp Fair in Sindelfingen. The postmark celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Thurn und Taxi Philatelic Workgroup. The Thurn und Taxis CoA with four heraldic lions is shown in the centre of the postmark.

If you're not at Sindelfingen, you can also obtain this postmark by sending addressed envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Multikanalvertrieb
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany

The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 20/317", and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last day of use.

Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.70
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.90

Reported by Geir Arveng

20 October 2017:

Gioia Tauro Lions Club

14 October 2017:

Decommissioning of USS Ponce

The USS Ponce, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock of the United States Navy which has been in service since 1971, has reached its retirement age. The ship was decommissioned on 14 October 2017, and a special postmark to mark the occasion was in use in Norfolk, VA on the decommissioning day.

The postmark is available until 13 November 2017 by sending envelopes or postcards franked with US postage to:

Stephen Decatur Chapter #4
Universal Ship Cancellation Society
Decommissioning Station
Postmaster
PO Box 719
NORFOLK, VA 23501-9998
USA

Postage:
US postcard: USD 0.34 (or a postcard stamp)
US letter: USD 0.49 (or a Forever stamp)
International postcard/letter: USD 1.15 (or a Global Forever stamp)

Reported by Marci Jarvis

10 October 2017:

Manx Cats

On 10 October 2017 The Isle of Man Post Office issues a set of stamps dedicated to the iconic tailless Manx.

The issue is designed by renowned cat artist Lesley Anne Ivory, and all the stamps show Manx cats set against Isle of Man themed patchwork quilts.

Aside from the stamps denominated GBP 0.47, 1.30, 1.53, and 3.68 respectively, there's a FDC with Manx cats in the cahet (sold at GBP 7.72), and a presentation pack withs all four stamps (sold at GBP 7.77).

The stamps and other philatelic products can be ordered from the Isle of Man Philatelic Bureau, and also from WOPA.

Reported by Marci Jarvis

10 October 2017:

Albert II - Honorary Citizen of Mazzarino

Reported by Marco Carelli

9 October 2017:

Dutch Children's Welfare Stamps

In the long tradition of Dutch Children's Welfare Stamps (Kinderpostzegels), Post.nl issues a miniature sheet of 6 semi-postal stamps, each denominated 1 (standard inland postage - EUR 0.78 on issue) + EUR 0.38.

The stamps featuring cartoon characters from Jan Kruis' comic strip Jack, Jacky & the Juniors (Jan, Jans en de Kinderen). Two of the stamps shows cats. One is the Siamese Loedertje, and the other the family's longtime red cat Edgar.

Reported by Patrick Roberts

6 October 2017:

60th Anniversary of Cagliari Lions

Reported by Marco Carelli

4 October 2017:

Fight for Czech Statehood

The Czech Post issued a minaiture sheet highlighting the fight for independence from the Austr-Hungarian Empire 100 years ago. The MS consists of two CZK 30.00 stamps. On one stamp, an undenominated label, and on the selvedge, you will find the Bohemian Lion on various flags.

Reported by Geir Arveng

4 October 2017:

Marshall Islands Cat's Eye

On 4 October 2017, Marshall Island issued a set of 10 stamps showing eyes of various species. One of the stamps shows a cat's eye.

Reported by Geir Arveng

29 September 2017:

Joy of Europe Festival

Reported by Marci Jarvis

26 September 2017:

10th Anniversary of San Marino's Ban on Animal Testing

San Marino issued a set of three stamps on 26 September 2018 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their ban on animal experimentation. A gray and white cat is one of the animals behind a microscrope on the EUR 2.00 value. The same cat motif is on the Frst Day Postmark.

All three sheets of 12 each have a different vignette of the cat and other animals in the selvedge.

The stamps can be ordered from the San Marinese Post's Online store.

Reported by Marci Jarvis

25 September 2017:

Canadian Semi-postal Stamps

 

Reported by Geir Arveng

24 September 2017:

8th 'Ecchi della Valle Olona' - In Memory of Czechoslovak Soldiers

Reported by Marco Carelli

24 September 2017:

22nd Opening Assembly of Lions District 108 Ta2

Reported by Marco Carelli

17 September 2017:

18th Udine Marathon

Reported by Marco Carelli

16 September 2017:

Stamp Day in Saarlouis

Stamp Day is celebrated in Germany on 16 and 17 September 2017, and in Saarlouis a special postmark commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Saarland's inclusion in the Federal Republic of Germany will be i use. The postmark shows the Saarland CoA.

The manifestation takes place in Theater am Ring, Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 26, 66740 Saarlouis, and the Philateic Team Düren operates the postmark from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1000-1700) on 16 September and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (1000-1500) on 17 September.

You can also obtain this postmark by sending addressed envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Multikanalvertrieb
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany

The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 17/252", and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last day of use.

Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.70
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.90

Reported by Geir Arveng

14 September 2017:

Ladybird Books: Smoke and Fluff

On 14 September 2017 Royal Mail will issue a set of stamps commemorating the children's book series Ladybird Books.

There's a total of 8 different stamps, each showing 3 book covers. On one of the 1st class inland stamps (GBP 0.65 on issue), we can see two cats on the cover of a book titled Smoke and Fluff.

Smoke and Fluff was first published in December 1941. It is written by A.J. MacGregor and illustrated by W. Perring. It is told in verse, and describes two lively kittens and how their naughtiness deeds were forgiven, in the end, by their understanding mother.

Reported by Geir Arveng

12 September 2017:

Belarus - India Joint Issue

Belarus and India celebrates the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a joint stamp issue on 12 September 2017. Bot stamps shows national symbols - India represented by the state emblem with the Lion statues from the Ashoka Pillar.

The Belarus stamp is denominated H (international surface letter - BYR 1.38 on issue). The stamp is issued in sheetlets of 6.

The Indian stamp is denominated INR 25.00,and is issued in a single-stamp miniature sheet.

Reported by Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis

11 September 2017:

Guyana Lions Centenary Stamps

Reported by Geir Arveng

11 September 2017:

Estonian Lynx

Estonia issues a single stamp showing a Lynx 11 September 2017. The stamp is denominated EUR 0.65 (inland letter rate).

There's also an FDC with a lynx in the cachet, and a Maximum Card.

The First Day Postmark also shows a Lynx.

Reported by Geir Arveng

6 September 2017:

Czech Zoological Gardens II

Reported by Geir Arveng

1 September 2017:

Mikesch the Tomcat on German Postmark

The rumours of a special postmark with Mikesch the Tomcat (previously reported on this year's For Youth stamps) has been confirmed. On the 15th NAJUBRIA Youth Philatelic Exhibition in Memmingen, a postmark with Mikesch will be in use on the exhibition's Youth Day 1 September 2017.

The German Post stand will be manned at the exhibition from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (1000-1800). One source also claim that the postmark will be available on 2 and 3 September, but this has not ben confirmed.

You can also obtain this postmark by sending addressed envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:

Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Privatkunden/Filialen
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany

The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 16/232", and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last day of use.

Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.70
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.90

Reported by Geir Arveng

1 September 2017:

Normandy-Niemen Aviation Regiment - Joint Issue Russia-France

Russia and France celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Normandy-Niemen Avition Regiment with a joint stamp issue on 1 September 2018. Both stamps show the regimental badge showing the Normandy Lions.

The Russian stamp is denominated RUB 41.00, while the French stamp is denominated EUR 1.30. The Russian stamp was issued in ordinary sheets as well as in a prestige booklet. The booklet was issued on 11 December 2017.

The Russian Post compliments the stamp issue with a pre-franked postcard with the same design as the stamp on the picture side. The card is denominated B - inland postcard (RUB 16.00 on issue).

The Paris First Day Postmark also shows the regiment badge.

France also issued a Miniature Sheet with the original stamp and a variety on 30 November 2017.

Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö

28 August 2017:

Kazakhstan Snow Leopards

Reported by Geir Arveng

25 August 2017:

French Polynesia Cats and Dogs Booklet

Reported by TS Tan

22 August 2017:

25th Anniversary of Azərmarka

The Azeri philatelic service - Azərmarka - celebrated its 25th anniversary with a single-stamp miniature sheet om 22 August 2017. There are no cats on the stamp itself, but on the selvedge there are lots of pictures of Azeri stamps, including the Troåical Fishes miniature sheet issued in 2002 with a domestic cat on its selvedge (lower right corner).

Reported by Malik Mohammad

17 August 2017:

Jaguarundi from Antigua & Barbuda

Reported by Geir Arveng

11 August 2017:

South East Asian Games' Tiger Mascot

Reported by Geir Arveng

11 August 2017:

Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Stamps

The Kyrgyz Post issued a miniature sheet for the 2017 International Snow Leopard and Esosystem Forum in Bishkek on 11 August 2017. The MS contains two stamps, denominated KGS 39.00 and KGS 117.00, respectively. The MS is also reported to have been issued in an imperforate version.

Reported by Geir Arveng

10 August 2017:

German 'For Youth' Stamps 2017

The 2017 series of the German 'For Youth' stamps will be issued on 10 August 2017. It is dedicated to the Augsburger Puppenkiste (litterally The Augsburg Puppet Chest). The Augsburger Puppenkiste is a marionette theatre in Augsburg initially founded in 1943. The original stage met its fate in an allied bomb raid in 1944, however, and the rest of the war and first post-war years placed other concerns than marionettes in the forefront. The founder Walter Oemichen (1901-1977) and his wife Rose (1901-1985) hadn't given up their dream of a marionette theatre though, and opened up a new marionette stage in the Augsburg City Theatre in 1948. The Oemichens' puppets gained nationwide fame in 1953 when they pioneered children's television in the German-speaking markets with regular TV productions of their performances. Many TV-networks picked up the series after the 21 January 1953 debut production "Peter and the Wolf", shot in NWDR's studios in Hamburg, and TV shows were produced until 2006, when the show closed down at the ripe age of 53.

This year's EUR 1.45 + 0.55 stamp shows Kater Mikesch (Mikesch the Tomcat). Mikesch is based on the 1936 Czech children's book "Kocour Mikeš" by Josev Lada.

Mikesh starred in an episode of the Augsburger Puppenkiste filmed in black and white in 1964. The episode became very popular - it is considered one of the series classics - and it was remade in colour as a 4-episode mini-series in 1985.

Reported by Geir Arveng

8 August 2017:

Orange Lionesses' Championship Victory Silver Stamp

The Orange Lionesses - The Dutch Women's Footbal National Team - won the final of the European Football Championships for women. To honour the team, Post.nl issued a silver stamp on 8 August 2017 denominated for registered letters. The stamp is sold in a presentation pack priced at EUR 25.00 (franking value EUR 8.40). Only 2 300 presentation packs have been produced.

Reported by Marci Jarvis

7 August 2017:

Kazakh Year of the Rooster Miniature Sheet

On 11 August 2017, Kazakhstan issued this year's Miniature Sheet for Chinese New Year. As has been the case in latter years, this is marked with a single stamp MS, this year with a KZT 300 stamp. The stamp shows a couple of adorable chickens for the Year of the Rooster, but on the selvedge you will also find the other signs of the lunar zodiac. In Kazakhstan the Snow Leopard replaces the traditional Tiger sign, and it can be found at the five o'clock position in the zodiac circle on the selvedge.

Reported by Geir Arveng

27 July 2017:

UK Commemorative Postmark

A commemorative postmark showing a Lion Rampant will be in use in Westminster, London on 27 July 2017.

We have no information on the occasion for this postmark. If you have information on this, please let us know.

The postmark can be acquired by sending addressed postcards or letters to:

London Special Handstamp Centre
Royal Mail
Mount Pleasant
Farringdon Road
LONDON EC1A 1BB
United Kingdom

The outer envelope should be marked "Special Handstamp no. 14186", and must be postmarked no later than 27 July 2017.

Postage rates:

UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man: 2nd class / GBP 0.56, 1st class / GBP 0.65
Europe: < 20g: GBP 1.17
World: < 10g: GBP 1.17, < 20g GBP 1.40

Reported by Marci Jarvis

19 July 2017:

Chinese Lions from Monaco

Monaco will issue a miniature sheet on 13 July 2017 to mark the exhibition, "The Forbidden City in Monaco: Imperial Court Life in China." The Guardian Lions (Shishi) are on the single stamp and on the selvedge.

Reported by Marci Jarvis

19 July 2017:

25th Anniversary of Belarus-Latvia Diplomatic Relations

Reported by Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis

15 July 2017:

Disney Villains on Stamps

In a surprise announcement 21 June 2017, the USPS announced a set of stamps dedicated to Disney villains to be issued allready on 15 July 2017. One of the stamps shows Scar from The Lion King.

The set consists of 10 different self-adhesive stamps denominated 'Forever' (inland letter rate - USD 0.49 on issue), and they are sold in sheetlets of 20 (two of each stamp).

We have not seen the FDI postmarks or any other products for this issue yet.

USPS will dedicate the stamps July 15 during D23 Expo, a Disney fan event, in Anaheim, CA. The stamps will be available at Post Offices and USPS Stamp Fullfillment Service.

Reported by Marci Jarvis

4 July 2017:

Visit of Prince Albert to Duras

Reported by Elisabeth Hallsjö

3 July 2017:

Mogilev Lion Statue

Reported by Geir Arveng

30 June and 5 July 2017:

Norshaft Lions Club Postmarks

The Norshaft Lions Club in Vermont celebrates the Lions International Centenary with two commemorative postmarks in June and July.

The first one is used in Shaftsbury, VT on 30 June 2017. This postmark is available until 30 July 2017, by sending envelopes or postcards franked with US postage to:

Norshaft Lions Club
Norshaft Station
PO Box 9998
SHAFTSBURY, VT 05262-9998
USA

The second will be used in North Bennington, VT on 5 July 2017. This one is available until 4 August 2017, by sending envelopes or postcards franked with US postage to:

Norshaft Lions Club
Norshaft Station
Postmaster
PO Box 9998
NORTH BENNINGTON, VT 05257-9998
USA

Postage:
US postcard: USD 0.34 or a postcard stamp
US letter: USD 0.49 (or a Forever stamp)
International postcard/letter: USD 1.15 (or a Global Forever stamp)

Reported by Marci Jarvis

For older items, see News Archive January - June 2017
News Archive July - December 2016
News Archive January - June 2016
News Archive July - December 2015
News Archive January - June 2015
News Archive July - December 2014
News Archive January - June 2014
News Archive July - December 2013
News Archive January - June 2013
News Archive July - December 2012
News Archive January - June 2012
News Archive July - December 2011
News Archive January - June 2011
News Archive July - December 2010
News Archive January - June 2010
News Archive 2009
News Archive 2008
News Archive 2006-2007.