Latest update of this archive: 2 February 2013
For older items, see News archive 2009, News Archive 2008 and News Archive 2006-2007.
Issues to keep an eye on in 2010
AUSTRIA
There will be a set called "Animal Protection" in January. We have seen both 8 January and 13 January as dates. There are persistent rumours that one stamp will show a Wildcat. And they are true.
In April there will be a stamp for the Shanghai 2010 World Exhibition. We have heard that one of the suggested designs included a Stone Lion.
AZERBAIJAN
There will be a set in the definitives "Flora and Fauna" series in February (?).
In October there's a set for domestic animals. Could be livestock, could be pets.......
CANADA
In June there will be a stamp issue showing the winners of the Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photography Contest. Canadian Wildlife can include both Canadian Lynxes and Pumas............ (added 22 June 2010): ..........but, alas. No cats there.
FAROE ISLANDS
Europa stamps 26 April 2010: One of the stamps is dedicated to the book "A Dog, a Cat and a Mouse". Let's hope the cat makes it to the DKK 10.00 Stamp. Rumors are they'll use the book cover on the stamp, and in that case the cat will be there..... We have found the cover of the Danish version of the book showing all three critters mentioned in the title. (Thanks Marci!).
FINLAND
Europa Stamps to be issued 4 May 2010. One stamp is rumoured to have a Cat on it.
And the rumour is true:
FRENCH POLYNESIA
The Year of the Tiger stamp will be issued 15 February 2010.
HUNGARY
On 7 May 2010 Hungary issues a set called "The Fauna of Hungary IV" (5 stamps, 1 MS). Eurasian Lynx and European Wildcat are possibilities.
MALAYSIA
Two issues from the 2010 stamp programme from Pos Malaysia look promising with regards to cats.
On 23 February 2010 a joint issue between Korea and Malaysia is planned. Rumours have it there's a Tiger in that set.
Then, on 20 November 2010 there's a set called 'Children's Pets'. There could easily be a cat or a kitten there.
MARSHALL ISLANDS
5 January 2010: Signs of the Zodiac (sheetlet of 12 stamps).
1 June 2010: Constellations (sheetlet of 20 stamps)
NAMIBIA
February 2010: Endangered Species (sheetlet of 10 stamps)
SAN MARINO:
June 2010: 50th Anniversary of Lions International in San Marino
SLOVENIA
29 January 2010: Year of the Tiger
23 April 2010: 10th Anniversary of Slovenia signing the CITES convention. A Pre-stamped postcard will be issued showing a Tiger and also a Leopard fur coat among with other endangered species and product made from illegal hunting.
SWITZERLAND
6 May 2010: World of the circus, Geneva 2010
UNITED KINGDOM
On 11 March 2010, Royal Mail will isuue a stamp (or set?) to commemmorate Battersea Dogs & Cats Home There might just be a cat there. There are three.
Furthermore on 13 April 2010 theres also a set called Endangered Mammals. Maybe we can hope for a Wildcat? We may, indeed!
19 August 2010 there's a set for Musicals. Maybe "Cats" are amongst them?
USA
Linns Stamp Weekly has announced the USPS lineup for 2010. We already knew there would be a "Year of the Tiger" and the fourth installment of "Flags of Our Nation" (delayed from 2009) with a Puma/Cougar on Montana's stamp.
In addition, we are delighted to learn about the booklet set of 10 stamps titled "Animal Rescue", due 30 April 2010.
And if that isn't enough--"Sunday Funnies," a set of five stamps, will include both Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes! This issue has now been pegged for 16 July 2010.
USPS will certainly get their share from cat stamp collectors in 2010.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky, László Kállai, Marci Jarvis & Geir Arveng
North Korean Cartoons
On 30 June 2010 North Korea issued a Miniature Sheet of four stamps dedicated to North Korean Cartoons. One of the stamps, denominated KPW 95, shows a scene from the film The Porcupine Beats the Tiger.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Lions Clubs International Convention, Sydney
Lions Clubs International and Lions of Australia will host the 93rd International Convention in Sydney from 28 June to 2 July 2010. Australia Post marks the occasion with the issue of two pre-stamped envelopes. Both envelopes uses the basic design of the 1967 50th Anniversary of Lions stamp as stamp indicum. The standard version is priced at AUD 0.70, inland postage paid.
Then there's a "Prestige PPE". This one boasts a limited edition collectable Lions embroidered badge featuring the well-known Lions Clubs logo, the Australian flag and Convention Sydney 2010. The Prestige PPE also features a Lions gold-foiled postmark which carries a similar design to the daily postmarks that will be available at the convention. The prestige PPE is priced AUD 9.95.
Both envelopes is for sale from Australia Post's online store.
Reported by TS Tan
150th Anniversary of Lichtenfels' Volontary Fire Brigade
Reported by Geir Arveng
Romentino Coat of Arms
On 26 June 2010, the Italian city of Romentino celebrates it's twin-city status with Saint-Marcel in France. The occasion is marked by the Italian Post by a commemorative postmark showing the coat of arms of the two cities. Although not too clear in the postmark, the coat of arms of Romentino includes two heraldic lions.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Novara
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
L.go Costituente, 2
IT-28100 NOVARA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 962 ("Bollo N. 962").
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Vatican Lion Stamp
The Vatican Post Office's contribution to this year's series of Europa stamps consists of a set of 2 stamps issued 22 June 2010.
The stamps are denominated EUR 0.60 and 0.65, and the EUR 0.60 stamp shows a Lion among other animals.
This year's Eropa theme is "Books for Children", and the stamp represents The Bible's Old Testament and shows Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The set is for sale from the Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office's online shop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
The russian Post issued a Pre-stamped Envelope on 22 June 2010 showing a Russian Blue in the cachet. The PSE is denominated A - inland pstage for lettters up to 20 g - RUB 10.50 on time of issue (RUB 11.00 from 1 August 2010).
The PSE is listed in the online catalogue of the Russian Post.
Reported by Geir Arveng
More 
Characters
On 16 June 2010 the Czech Post issues the second of 4 pre-stamped postcards showing characters from to the popular Czech comic book 
. The first card was issued 26 May 2010. This card features the pig Bobik, but the cat Myspulin can also be seen both on the picture side and the address side of the card. The postcard is denominated 'A' (CZK 10.00 at time of issue) and is sold for CZK 12.00 in post offices.
The issue is presented at the Czech Post's web site, but only in Czech.
Reported by Geir Arveng
The House of Stuart
Royal Mail continues its series of the British royal dynasties, and on 15 June 2010 the time has come for the House of Stuart. No lions on the stamps, but the First Day Postmark of the Philatelic Bureau in Edinburgh shows a heraldic Lion in the Armorial of Stuart.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Sphinx on Guinea Miniature Sheet
Reported by Greg Balagian
Togolese Predators
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Listening in the Dark
Lions International District 108 AB and the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired arranges a conference in Foggia, Italy on the 14 June 2010 titled "Listening in the Dark". The Occasion is marked by a special postmark showing the Lions Club Logo.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Foggia
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Viale XXIV Maggio, 26
IT-71121 FOGGIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 895 ("Bollo N. 895").
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
On 13 June 2010 on the occasion of the inauguration of a mural painting of "The Nativity of San Francesco" in the Italian town of Greccio, a special postmark will be in use showing a nativity scene and a Lions Club Logo.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Rieti
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Garibaldi, 283
IT-02100 RIETI, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 892 ("Bollo N. 892").
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Sigean African Reserve
On the 12 June 2010 France's La Poste issued no less than 24 so called "collectors" of "pre-personalised" stamps, each dedicated to a French region. The Collector for the South-Western region of Languedoc - Roussillon includes a stamp for the Sigean African Reserve. The stamp show a group of giraffes, and the well known logo with a Lion in it.
All stamps are denominated "Lèttre prioritaire 20g" or "20g inland letter", i.e. EUR 0.56 at the time of issue (EUR 0.58 from 1 July 2010).
The stamp and its "collector" is for sale in La Poste's Online Boutique for EUR 8.90.
Reported by TS Tan
The mascots of large sport events are allways popular on stamps, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup mascot, Leopard Cub Zakumi is no exception.
After Zakumi's debut on the SAPOA joint issue in April, the host nation South Africa presents 5 self-adhesive stamps showing the mascot playing ball and waving the flag.
The stamps are issued on the World Cup's opening day 11 June 2010, and are sold in sheetletst of 2 x 5 stamps each denominated ZAR 2.40 (inland letter rate).
Zakumi's name is a wordplay - ZA is the ISO 3166 code for South Africa, and kumi is the number 10 in a number of African languages.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Moldovan Zakumi
Moldova issues it's set for the FIFA World Cup 11 June 2010 with a set of two stamps denominated MDL 1.20 and MDL 8.50 respectively. The MDL 1.20 stamp features a soccer player and the World Cup mascot, Leopard Cub Zakumi.
Posta Moldovei's philatelic web pages have not been updated lately, but the philatelic service can be contacted at:
Intreprindera de Stat "Posta Moldovei"
Sectia Editorial- Filatelica
Bd. Stefan cel Mare 134
MD-2012 CHISNAU, Moldova
Tel.: +373 2 24 36 60
Fax: +373 2 22 42 90
e-mail: timbres@posta.md
Reported by Geir Arveng
.....and a Maltese one too....
MaltaPost also includes Zakumi in one of the World Cup Stamps. The Maltese set consists of two stamps denominated EUR 0.63 and EUR 2.50 respectively. It's the EUR 2.50 stamp that shows Zakumi.
Zakumi is also shown in the First Day Postmark.
The stamps are presented at the Maltese Philatelic Bureau's website. No online store, but the bureau can be contacted at:
MaltaPost p.l.c.
Philatelic Bureau
305, Triq Hal-Qormi
MARSA MTP 1001, Malta
Tel.: +356 2596 1740
e-mail: philately@maltapost.com
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
.....as well as a Bahraini one....
The Bahreini Post has also chosen to let one of its three World Cup stamps show the World Cup Mascot Zakumi. A BHD 0.20 (200 Fils) stamp issued 11 June 2010 shows the Leopard Cub holding a football.
Unfortunately, the Bahreini Philateli Bureau's web site hasn't ben updated lately, bt the bureau can be contacted at:
Philatelic Bureau
Postal Directorate
P. O. Box: 1212
MANAMA, Bahrain
Tel: (+973) 17 523 403
Fax: (+973) 17 533 455
E- Mail: stamp@mot.gov.bh
Reported by Geir Arveng
.....and even one from Korea....
The South Korean Post also issues a stamp for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. A single KRW 250 stamp is isued 11 June 2010. The stamp itself does not have any cats, but the sheetlet of 12 stamps shows Zakumi, the World Cup Leopard Cub mascot on the selvedge.
We cannot find this item for sale at the K-stamp online shop (could it be sold out allready?), but it is presented in the news section of the website.
Reported by Geir Arveng
.....and on a Croatian Pre-stamped Postcard
Croatia also takes part in the celebration of the FIFA World Cup with a stamp issue on 11 June 2010. Nothing cat-related on the stamps, but a pre-stamped postcard issued the same day, we find a photo of Zakumi in the cacget - this time in a costumed version.
We have not found any information on this card on the Croatian Post's homepage.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Ecuador Celebrates the World Cup
Ecuador underlines the Africanness of the FIFA World Cup by adorning its stamps for the occasion with African animals. Thus we have a Lion on one of three USD 1.00 stamps, and another one on the selvedge of the USD 5.00 Miniature Sheet. The stamp in the MS shows World Cup Mascot Zakumi.
Unfortunately, the Ecuadorian Post's Philatelic Webpages have not been updated for a while, but the Philatelic Service may be contacted by e-mail:
rincondefilatelista@correosdelecuador.com.ec
Reported by Geir Arveng
60 Years of Myanmar <-> China Diplomatic Relations
Reported by TS Tan
Energy Conservation Stamp with Leaping Big Cat
Reported by TS Tan
150th Anniversary of the Swiss Courtyard in Lucca
Palazzo Ducale - The Duke's Palace - is a famous landmark in the Tuscan city of Lucca. The palace's courtyard - known as the Swiss Courtyard due to it's housing of the barracks of the Swiss Guard - was inaugurated 150 years ago, and the event was celebrated with a special postmark used in Lucca 5 June 2010. The postmark shows a Heraldic Lion.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Lucca
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Vallisneri, 2
IT-55100 LUCCA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 824 ("Bollo N. 824").
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Spanish Zakumi First Day Postmark
The Spanish Post's stamp issue for the FIFA World Cup un South Africa does not show any cats, but if you look closely on the First Day Postmark, yoy will see a tiny Zakumi (World Cup Mascot) above the date to the right in the postmark. The date of issue was 4 June 2010, and to our knowledge the postmark was only applied in Madrid.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Lion on Danish EUROPA MS
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Dutch Zakumi Stamps
We have found the two Dutch personalized stamps, probably issued in June 2010. The two stamps are both denominated EUR 0.44 - the inland letter rate at the time of issue.
If you have any more information on the two stamps, please let us know.
Reported by Geir Arveng
30th Anniversary of Chinese Zodiac Stamps Omnibus Series
Reported by Geir Arveng
Portugese World Cup Leopard
In Norwegian we have a saying (hinting at unpredictability) that goes "The Football is Round". We do not know if they have the same saying in Portugese, but the CTT Correios' stamp designers certainly think that football stamps should be round this year. To mark the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, they issued a round EUR 0.80 stamp designed like a Leopard-skin football as well as a EUR 2.50 single-stamp miniature sheet, showing the silhouettes of a soccer player and a Leopard against a gorgeous African sky. If we're having a "cat stamp of the year" vote for 2010, this latter one will certainly be high up on your webmaster's list.
The "Football Player and Leopard" motif is also used on the FDC cachet.
There's also a Presentation Pack containing both the stamp and the MS sold at EUR 4.66.
This issue is still for sale in the CTT Correios Online Store.
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Geir Arveng
German Postmarks
The Hessian town of Stadtallendorf is the host of the 50th Hessentag (local fair) in May and June. A special postmark will be in use in the period 28 May - 6 June 2010. The postmark shows a cartoon Lion and a cartoon Hippo.
The postmark can be ordered by sending cards/letters to:
Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Brief
Sonderstempelstelle
DE-53253 BONN, Germany
Refer to 'Sonderstempel Nr.: 07/130'
For the heraldicly minded, there's also a postmark in use in Cham for the 62nd Assembly of Bavarian Philatelic Clubs and the 55th Anniversary of the 'Cham Stamp Friends'. The postmark shows the Bavarian coat of arms with two heraldic lions.
The order address for this postmark is:
Deutsche Post AG
Niederlassung Philatelie
Sonderstempelstelle
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
Refer to 'SonderstempelNr.: 07/141'
Letters/cards should be franked with official German stamps issued by Deutsche Post and denominated in Euros. Stamps must be placed in the "normal stamp position" on the address side. Internet franking is NOT allowed.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Letter EUR 0.55
Europe: Postcard EUR 0.65 / Letter EUR 0.70
World: Postcard EUR 1.00 / Letter EUR 1.70
Reported by Geir Arveng
Puss in Boots from Greece
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Czech Zodiac Stamp - and Comic Book Characters Too
On 26 May 2010, the Czech Post instroduces permanent stamps denominated in letters. Stamps denominated 'A' is good for domestic postage up to 50g. An 'E' takes care of European addresses up to 20g, while a 'Z' takes your letter all the way to the end of the World......
At the time of issue, A-stamps cost CZK 10.00, E-stamps are CZK 17.00 and Z-stamps are CZK 18.00.
Both set of stamps issued with the new system are of interest to catstamp collectors. The international stamps are dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the famous Czech art noveau artist Alfons Mucha (1860 - 1939). The Z-stamp shows his Zodiac (1896) with the Leo at abot 11 o'clock.
The stamp is issued in self-adhesive booklets of 6.
UPPDATE: The Čtyřlístek-set was actually issued 28 April 2010.
The A-stamp is the first in a series of stamps featuring characters from the very popular Czech comic book Čtyřlístek. The stamp shows the series canine character Fifinka, but on the booklet cover and also on the pre-stamped postcard, you'll find the feline Čtyřlístek star, Myspulin.
Čtyřlístek means "four-leaved-clover" which plays on the four main characters. In addition to Fifinka and Myspulin, thers also the pig Bobik and the rabbit, Pind'a.
The next installments in the series are Bobik on 16 June, Pind'a on 1 September, and finally Myspulin on 20 October 2010.
The issues are presented on the Czech Post's Philatelic Site, but as far as we can find only in Czech.
Reported by Geir Arveng
The Philatelic and Numismatic Exhibition VERONAFIL is arranged in Verona 22 May 2010. The exhibition is the 114th in the row, and the event is marked by a commemorative postmark. The postmark also celebrates the upcoming World Soccer Championship in South Africa, and shows the SA flag, an elephant, and a Lion.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Verona
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via delle Coste
IT-37138 VERONA, Italia
Refer to postmark no. 626 ("Bollo N. 626")
In Buonconvento in Siena, the 10th National Assembly of the most beautiful castles in Italy is hosted by the local council and marked by a commemorative postmark. The postmark shows the Castle of Buonconvento and a Heraldic Lion.
This postmark is available from:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Siena
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Piazza Matteotti, 37
IT–53100 SIENA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 659 ("Bollo N. 659")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Lions International in Dijon
The 59th ational Convention of Lions International, France will take place in Dijon on 21 and 22 May 2010. La Poste will take part with a temporary post office with no less than 2 comemmorative postmarks.
There will be one postmark for the convention itself, and a second postmark to mark Lion's National Alzheimer Campaign.
Both postmarks will be available for 8 weeks following the event from:
La Poste
Bureau Temporaire "Lions"
Dijon R P
3 rue Joliet
FR-21000 DIJON, France
Letters or postcards must be franked with valid French stamps.
Postage rates (< 20g):
France/Monaco/Andorra/DOM-COM: EUR 0.56
European Union/Liechtenstein/
San Marino/Switzerland/
Vatican: EUR 0.70
World: EUR 0.85
Reported by Geir Arveng
The University of Perugia celebrates the opening of teir new Humanistic Library on the 20 May, helped by a commemmorative postmark from Poste Italiane. The postmark shows the seal of the university, the right half of which is a winged, heraldic Lion.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Perugia
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Mario Angeloni, 72
IT-06124 PERUGIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 617 ("Bollo N. 617")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Azeri World Cup Stamps
Azerbaijan joins the many postal administrations around the world in celebrating the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The set consists of 2 stamps denominated AZN 0.20 and 0.60. The AZN 0.60 stamp shows a stylized soccer player - and the World Cup Mascot Zakumi.
The issue is listed at Azermarka's web pages.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Russian Postcards
Reported by Geir Arveng
A Lions Club Congress takes place in Udine in Italy on 16 May 2010. A commemorative postmark showing the Lions Club Logo is in use on the venue.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Udine
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Vittorio Veneto, 42
IT–33100 UDINE, Italia
Refer to postmark no. 610 ("Bollo N. 610")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
16th District Assembly of Lions Clubs in Trento
The 16th District Assembly of Lions International District 108 Ta1 will take place in Trento 15 May 2010. The postmark includes a Lions Club Logo.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Trento
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via G.B. Trener, 7
IT-38121 TRENTO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 577 ("Bollo N. 577")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
158th Anniversary of the Italian Police
The Italian Police was founded 158 years ago, and this is celebrated in Rome with a commemorative postmark 14-16 May 2010. The postmark shows the coat of arms of the Italian Police, including a heraldic lion to the right.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Roma Centro
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Taranto, 19 II piano
IT-00182 ROMA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 562 ("Bollo N. 562")
The event is also marked by a second postmark in Lucera, also showing the Italian Police's coat of arms.
This one can be acquired from:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Foggia
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Viale XXIV Maggio, 26
IT-71121 FOGGIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 570 ("Bollo N. 570")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
50th Anniversary of Campobasso Lions Club
Poste Italiane offers a commemorative postmark for the 50th anniversary of Campobasso Lions Club on 10 May 2010.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Campobasso
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Pietrunto, 4
IT-86100 CAMPOBASSO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 545 ("Bollo N. 545")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
A Lion from Asti
Lions of Italy's District 108 1A3 arrange their congress in Asti, Italy on 9 May 2010, and Poste Italiane gives us a real Lions postmark, both showing the Lions Club Logo and a beautiful male Lion in semi-profile.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Asti
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Corso Dante, 55
IT-14100 ASTI, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 537 ("Bollo N. 537")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
St. Helena Lion
Reported by Greg Balagian
Lions Meetings in Ovada and Siena
Lions International Distr 108 1A2 meets in Ovada, Italy on 8 May 2010 for the 2010 Meeting on Disabilities. Poste Italiane marks the event witn a commemorative postmark.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Alessandria 2
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Piazza Libertà, 23-24
IT-15100 ALESSANDRIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 512 ("Bollo N. 512")
Another postmark is in use in Siena, for the Toscana Congress of Lions Club. This one can be acquired from:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Siena
Servizio Commerciale Filatelia
Piazza Matteotti, 37
IT-53100 SIENA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 533 ("Bollo N. 533")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
London Festival of Stamps
The London Festival of Stamps and the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition takes place 8 - 15 May 2010. There are many events and 2 stamp issues planned for the festival - both with items of interest for the felinely oriented philatelist.
On the 6 May 1910, King George V accessed the throne, and this centenary is marked by an issue slated for 6 May 2010.
There's a Miniature Seet of two stamps, one denominated 1st (GBP 0.41 at time of issue) and the other GBP 1.00. The GBP 1.00 stamps features the Lion known from the 1911 definitives lying between 2 images of the king.
The MS is re-issued 8 May 2010 with overprinted "Business Design Centre, London 8 - 15 May 2010".
On 8 May 2010 Royal Mail issues another set of stamps for the festival. A Miniature Sheet of 4 stamps-on-stamps from the reign of George V, including 2 Lions.
The stamps on the stamps are the two stamsps issued 23 April 1924 for the British Empire Exhibition. The two stamps are denominated 1st (GBP 0.41 at the time of issue). The other two stamps in the MS are both denominated GBP 1.00.
In addition to the MS, the Lion stamps are also issued in a Prestige Booklet sold at GBP 11.15.
There's a Presentation Pack at GBP 4.75, a set of 8 PHQ cards at GBP 3.20, and the Lion is also featured at the First Day Postmark.
The stamps and other products are currently for sale in Royal Mail's online shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis
Puss in Boots on Romanian Europa MS
Reported by László Kállai
6 May 2010:
More Hello Kitty Stamps from Japan
Kazakh EUROPA stamp
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Pro Patria Stamps Shows Heraldic Lions
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
1100th Anniversary of the Kingdom of León
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Cat on First Day Postmark for the Irish EUROPA Stamps
The theme of this year's EUROPA stamps is children's books, and many a country issue stamps with fictional cats.
Ireland doesn't have any cats on their stamps, but they have a little, stylized cat in the First Day Postmark. It will be in use in Dublin at the date of issue 6 May 2010.
At the time of writing, this issue has only been reprted in the Irish philatelic bulletin The Collector. A PDF-version of the current issue is available from The Irish Philatelic Service's homepage.
The FDC is not yet availale at An Post's online stamp shop, but will certainly become available for odering in the near future.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Big 5 from South Africa
On 5 May 2010 Sapo of South Africa issued a booklet of self-adhesive stamps dedicated to the "big 5" African animals, namely Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. The booklet contains 2 stamps with each of the 5 animals, and all stamps are denominated 'Airmail Postcard'.
The FDC also shows a Lion in the cachet.
The issue is presented at Sapo's philatelic web pages.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Finnish Europa Stamps Includes a Cat
UNPA Shanghai Lunar Calendar Sheet
The UN Postal Administration in New York issued a sheetlet of pre-personalised stamps for the UNPA stand at the Shanghai World Expo on 1 May 2010. The sheetlet celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Chinese Zodiac Stamps. The labels of the stamps shows the 1980 Year of the Ape stamp from China and the selvedge shows all 12 animals of the lunar cycle, including a Tiger.
The sheet is presented and sold at the UNPA web site.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Gujarat Golden Jubilee Booklets
For the Gujarat Golden Jubilee, Gujarat Philatelists Association in Ahmedabad with approval of Gujarat Circle of India Post issued a series of 8 booklets, each priced at INR 75.00. One of the booklets devoted to animals and breeds shows a handsome lion couple on the cover.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Indonesian FIFA World Cup Stamp shows Zakumi
Pos Indonesia is one of the first administrations to mark this year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa with a set of four IDR 1500 stamps. One of the stamps shows Leopard Cub Mascot Zakumi. The stamps are sold in sheets of 48 stamps and 2 labels. One of the labels also shows Zakumi.
The stamps are also sold in booklets with a block of four and an FDC with all four stamps.
The stamps are presented and are for sale at Pos Indonesia's Online Shop. You can also read about it in the issue's Philatelic Leaflet.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
30 April 2010:
Bulgaria's EXPO Shanghai Miniature Sheet
US Sheltered Cats
On 30 April 2010, the USPS will issue a set of 10 stamps featuring sheltered pets. Five of the stamps show cats.
The stamps are all denominated USD 0.44, and are sold in self-adhesive panes of 20 stamps.
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| Willow Maltese Willow was left in a box by the door of the shelter as a kitten. When the animal control officer met her there, she knew the scrawny, little gray kitten should come home with her. Willow is now part of a happy family that includes three dogs and two other cats. |
Bianca Calico Bianca was adopted through a senior-to-senior program which allows cats older than six to be adopted by a senior citizen at no cost. Bianca has since passed away, but was well-loved and cared for in her final years. |
Peaches Gray, White & Tan Peaches was born under a porch. She and her littermates had to be trapped to be taken to the shelter. There, all the kittens were spayed or neutered, given complete health exams, and put up for adoption. |
Frankie Black, White & Tan Frankie was brought to the shelter with his mother and two other kittens. Unfortunately, they were all very sick and Frankie was the only one to survive. Today, this dapper cat is thriving in a loving family. |
Lucas Orange Tabby Hungry, cold, and lucky, Lucas picked the right yard to wander into. It belonged to an animal shelter volunteer. He was taken to the shelter, where he got a complete physical, was neutered, and put up for adoption. |
The texts above are from the Website of the Adopt a Shelter Pet Campaign.
The stamps are also sold with two books celebrating the stamp issue - one with a cat cover and one with a dog cover.
USPS offers sets of 10 individual FDCs, either cancelled with a B&W or a Digital Colour First Day Postmark (both versions come in both dog and cat varieties).
There will also be a number of comemmorative postmarks tied to the campaign and the stamp issue. These comemmorative postmarks may be used to cancel all letters or postcards franked with US stamps (not only stamps from this issue). Prototypes of these cancel is shown below, in addition there will surely be a number of local adaptations and also entirely different postmarks. We will add specific information on the cities taking part as information become available.
The postmarks can be obtained by sending addressed post cards/letters franked with US stamps to the addresses given below each postmark within 30 days from the date of use.
Postage rates:
US USD 0.28 (post card) / USD 0.44 (letter)
Canda/Mexico: USD 0.75
World: USD 0.98
Furthermore there will be slogan postmarks in use in all USPS automation equipment from 30 April to 14 May 2010. Again a prototype of the slogan is shown below, and we'll add detailed information on all variations and places of use as it becomes available.
As part of the campaign, theres also other types of souvenirs connected to the stamp issue:
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| First Day Ceremony Program (Cat version also available) | If you own an adopted pet, you may buy a Certificate of Adoption to commemorate its arrival in your family | There's a suite of notecards with envelopes and 10 stamps to match |
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| The USA Philatelic Catalogue for 2nd quarter 2010 will be issued with 10 different covers - one for each stamp in the set. |
There are various combinations of framed artwork for the stamps. | You can protect your tables with a set of ceramic coasters. |
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| ......and finally you may enjoy your tea, coffee or other beverages from mugs with the stamps on them. | ||
The stamps and all the souvenir products are available from the USPS online store.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Australian Lions Convention
Australian Lions Clubs held a convention in Midura, Vic. on 30 April 2010, and Australia Post marked the event with a pictorial postmark showing the Lions Club Logo. Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Faroe Islands Cat Book
Bulgarian EUROPA-stamps
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Montana Cougar
The long awaited, delayed, fourth installment in US stamp series "Flags of our Nation" is finally due on 16 April 2010.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Tiger Birthday Gift
Reported by TS Tan
150th Anniversary of the Birth of Theodor Herzl
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
British Wildcat
Royal Mail issues a set of 10 stamps dedicated to Mammals on 13 April 2010. One of the 10 stamps shows a European Wildcat. All 10 stamps are denominated 1st (GBP 0.41 at time of issue).
There's an official FDC from Tallents House (Philatelic Bureau), but neither the cachet nor the First Day Postmark shows a cat. There is, however, an alternative First Day Postmaerk in use by the Scottish Wildcat Association in Edinburgh. A special FDC with a Wildcat cachet has been made by Buckingham Covers. If you order using our link, part of your purchase will be donated to the SWA.
Amongst the official products, there are also a Presentation Pack, and a suite of postcards depictiong the stamps.
The other animals depicted in this series are:
- Humpback Whale
- Brown Long-Eared Bat
- Polecat
- Sperm Whale
- Water Vole
- Greater Horseshoe Bat
- Otter
- Dormouse
- Hedgehog
The set and all official products are available at Royal Mail's Online Shop.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Ocelot from Ecuador
Reported by Geir Arveng
Lions' Congress in Reims
The Lions Clubs of Eastern France arranged their annual congress in Reims on 11 April 2010. La Poste honoured the occasion with a pictorial postmark. Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
A Commemorative envelope was available for sale during the event.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Italian Lions Club Postmarks
In April 3 commemorative postmarks showing the Lions Club Logo will be in use in Italy.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and these can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to he addresses given below each postmark.
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| Poste Italiane Filiale di Roma Sud Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Via Eroi di Cefalonia IT-00128 ROMA, Italy |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Foggia Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Viale XXIV Maggio, 26 IT-71121 FOGGIA, Italy |
Poste Italiane Filiale di Lecce Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia Via F. Cavallotti IT-73100 LECCE, Italy |
| Refer to postmark no. 361 ("Bollo N. 361") |
Refer to postmark no. 371 ("Bollo N. 371") |
Refer to postmark no. 374 ("Bollo N. 374") |
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
North Korean Lion and Cat for Antwerpia 2010
3rd SAPOA Joint Issue
Reported by Geir Arveng
Greek and Cypriot Lions Convention
Forrest Month in Romania
In Calimanesti in Romania there was a commemorative postmark in use on 7 April 2010 on the occasion of "Nature Month" celebrated annualy in Romania. Many Romanian towns have postmarks for this occasion showing flora and fauna in all forms, and Calimanesti's this year shows a Eurasian Lynx. There have been many lynxes on Nature Month postmarks throughout the years. You will find many of the listed on the Romanian Wild Cats Checklist.
Unfortunately we know nothing about the procedures for acquiering Romanian postmarks. If you do, please enlighten us.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Siberian Cat on PSE
The Russian Post issued a PSE showing a SIberian Cat on 31 March 2010. The PSE is denominated A - basic inland letter rate (RUB 10.50 on issue).
Details can be found at the Russian Post's online catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
North Korean Cats
North Korea issued a set of stamps showing Domestic Cats on 25 March 2010. The set consists of 4 stamps issued in both sheets, booklets, miniature sheets and postal stationary. The stamps are denominated KPW 10, 70, 133 and 170. We haven't seen the booklet yet, but to be honest, the Miniature Sheet pictured above looks very much like a booklet pane to us. Like most North Korean issues, these stamps also exist in imperforated versions.
Update: We have since the original write-up of this issue acquired a booklet. and we were right - what is marketed as a Miniature Sheet is quite simply an uncut booklet pane.
In addition tho the stamps, there's an aerogramme (KPW 170), a pre-stamped envelope (KPW 133) and a pre-stamped postcard (KPW 70).
The First Day Postmark also shows a cat.
Reported by T.S. Tan
Bronze Panther from Tuva
In its ongoing Russian Regions series of stamps, Russian Post issued a RUB 10.50 for the Tuva Republic. The stamp is one in a set of two stams and shows - among cattle and yaks in a Tuvan landscape - a bronze Panther from early Scythian kurgan burials in Arzhan.
Unfortunately - at the time of writing the Russian Post's Philatelic Site has not been updated for a while, so no info there, but we found the stamp on Delcampe.
UPDATE June 2010: The Russian post has now launched a new philatelic site where this issue is listed.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Junpex 2010
A special postmark ws in use in Junagadh in India during the philatelic exhibition Junpex 2010. On 20 March 2010 visitors to the exhibition could have their mail cancelled by a postmark showing a lion, and a special cover was also for sale.
Reported by Geir Arveng
New Caledonia YoT
Reported by TS Tan
Azerbaijani Lion
Reported by Geir Arveng
Belgian Cats on Definitives and EUROPA Stamps
On 13 March 2010 Belgium's La Poste/De Post offerred us no less tan two issues with domestic cats. A booklet with 10 self-adhesive definitive stamps called "Out of the Nest" shows animal babies, including tw stamps with British Shorthair kittens.
The stamps are denominated 1, which is the basic inland letter rate (EUR 0.59 on issue).
The kittens can also be found on the First Day Postmark from the Advance sale in Gent.
Belgium's Europa stamps for 2010 is also of interest from a cat collector's point of view. The theme this year is Children's Books, and the Belgian stamps shows illustrations by popular children book authors and illustrators Kitty Crowther and Gerda Dendoovuk. The stamps are issued in both ordinary sheets and as a se-tenant pair in a Miniature Sheet. They are denominated 3E (3 with European stars around), which covers letters up to 100g within Europe (2.70 on issue).
The Cat can also be found in the First Day Postmark for the advance sale in Gent.
The official date of issue for both sets are 15 March 2010, but with advance sales in Gent on 13 March 2010, so that you will find FDCs with both dates. The officiel First Day Postmarks dated 15 March 2010 are from Vrussels and do not show cats for either set.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Birth Centenary of I.N. Bugrimova
Irina N. Bugrimova (1910 - 2001) was a famous Soviet circus artist and animal trainer. She worked wit many big cats, and is famous in the circus world for her acts with lions on motor cycles and walking a tight rope. She was born in Kharkhov in present day Ukraine, and after initial careers as ballet dancer, speed skating champion and movie stunt-woman finalyy found her call in the circus. Her big cat acts were for 45 years shown in institutions like the Moscow State Circus, the Circus Humberto in Czechoslovakia and the East German State Circus.
On 12 March 2010, the Rusiian Post issued a pre-stamped postcard denominated RUB 7.70 (inland postcard rate) to mark the centenary of her birth. (the issue is actually one day early - she was born 13 January 1910). The postcard shows her famous swing act, in which she'd be swinging on a giant swing with a lion. At the end of the routine, the two jumped off the swing together and she fed the animal a piece of meat with her teeth. Her act ended with the lions lying down as she cavorted on a carpet of cats.
The Russian Post recently launched a new philatelic site, and the card can be found listed in the 2010 postcard catalogue.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home 150th Anniversary
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Button
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Mr Tumnus
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Tigger
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Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been taking in London's lost and unwanted dogs and cats for 150 years in 2010. For this jubilee, the home is honoured by Royal Mail with a set of 10 1st class stamps on 11 March 2010.
3 of the stamps feature cats - the seven others have dogs on them - all of which have stayed at the home before being placed with new owners.
Look out for cats also on many of the First Day Postmarks - they will be presented here as information becomes available.
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In addition, there are 5
postmarks not showing cats |
FDC
Presentation Pack
In addition to the stamps, FDC and Presentation Pack, Royal mail also offers a set of 10 PHQ cards showing the stamps, as well as lapel pins of all the stamps.
PHQ Cards
Lapel Pins
Upon issue, the stamps and related products will be for sale at Royal Mail's Online Shop.
LATEST:
In addition to the Royal Mail products, there will also be a Commemorative Smilers Sheet produced by Benham. Smilers are the UK version of personalized stamps, where there are personalized labels attached to genereic stamps. The sheet is issued as a numbered, limited series. It's sold at GBP 24.95, with a franking value of GBP 3.90 (!). This sheet is also for sale from Royal Mail's Online Shop.
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Geir Arveng
Azerbaijani Tiger
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
350th Anniversary of the Royal Society
The Royal Society - one of Britain's leading scientific institutions - was founded 350 years ago. This event does not pass unnoticed by the Royal Mail whos issues a set of 10 stamps and a prestige booklet on 25 February 2010. At first we believed that the only items of interest are two of the First Day Postmarks showing the armories of the Society with several heraldic lions. The postmarks in question are the ones for Tallent House in Edinburgh as well as the one used at he Spring Stampex in London.
Thanks to one of our readers we have also become aware that the Coat of Arms of the society can also be found in a label on pane 2 of the prestige booklet.
The Royal Society Coat of Arms
At the time of writing, the Prestige Booklet is still available from Royal Mail's Online Stamp Shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng and Louise Chapman
South Korea - Malaysia Joint Issue
Reported by TS Tan
House of Stewart Postmarks
On 23 February 2010, Royal Mail issued a set of 10 stamps and a miniature sheet to commemorate the kongs and queens of the House of Stewart. The stamps themselves do not contain any cats, but in the First Day Postmarks there are Heraldic Lions aplenty.
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Watch out for FDCs with these postmarks!
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Geir Arveng
Tamworth Lions Club Collectables Fair (NSW, Australia)
This event will be held at the Tamworth Town Hall. Well known dealers will attend. There will be 200 (sets of two) of a limited edition and numbered overprinted minisheet (1999 Navigators with A99 perfin). Overprints in gold include the Lions logo and Society logo at AUD 30 for a set of two
AUD 5 for postage and handling. Enquiries to
Tamworth Philatelic Society Inc.
PO Box 678
TAMWORTH, NSW 2340
Australia
E-mail: peelbr@clearmail.com.au
Orders dispatched February 2010. Admission is AUD 6 for adults (children FREE with accompanying adult) or a weekend pass at AUD 10 per adult.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Netherlands Antilles YoT
The Netherlands Antilles' Year of the Tiger stamps were issued 18 February 2010. The set consists of three stamps denominated ANG 1.11, 1.64 and 1.70.
Reprted by Geir Arveng
Polish Cats
The Polish Post issues a set of stamps featuring pedigree cats. The set consists of 6 stamps in three denominations:
Two stamps are denominated PLN 1.55 and shows a Bristish Shorthair and a Balinese, respectively. A Somali and a Maine Coon are shown on the two PLN 1.95 stamps, while the two PLN 3.00 stamps show a Persian ant its less furry sidekick, the Exotic Shorthair.
There are three official FDCs with two stamps on each:
British Shorthair + Somali with a Sphynx in the cachet, Maine Coon + Balinese and a Devon Rex and finally Persian + Exotic and a Selkirk Rex in the cachet.
Check out the philatelic website of the Polish Post for technical details (in Polish). No online store, but these stamps and FDCs will certainly come available at Delcampe.
Reported by Patrick Roberts
French Polynesia YoT
The French Polynesia OPT issued their YoT stamp 15 February 2010. The stamp shows an adult Tiger with a Tiger cub, and is denominated XFP 140 (International Letter Rate).
The official FDC shows the same Tiger design in the cachet, as well as a stylized Tiger in the First Day Postmark.
It can be ordered at the Philatelic Center of FP online store, but a strict policy of a minimum order of XFP 2000 is enforced.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Monaco Slogan Postmark
Reported by Geir Arveng
Russian PSE with Tiger Cubs
Reported by Geir Arveng
Vanuatu YoT
Reported by TS Tan
Bhutan Marks the Male Iron Tiger Year 2137
Reported by TS Tan
Mongolia YoT
Reported by TS Tan
Tokelau YoT
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Mexico: Año del Tigre
Sepomex, thhe Mexican Post issues their Tiger on 11 February 2010. It is a single stamp denominated MXP 7.00 (inland letter rate).
The stylized Tiger can also be found at the FDC cachet and in the postmark.
See Sepomex's web pages for further details (in Spanish).
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Irish Year of the Tiger
Ireland's An Post was one of the first European postal administrations to take op the Lunar Zodiac as an annual theme for stamp issues.
This year, on 11 February, An Post celebrates the Year of the Tiger with an 82 Eurocents stamp showing a painting of a Tiger from the National Museum in Dublin. The painting is originally from an 18th century Tibetan-Buddhist temple in Gansu Province, North-Western China.
Along with the stamps, we're also offered a Miniature Sheet of three stamps and FDCs of both the single stamp and the MS.
The First Day Postmark also shows a Tiger.
At the time of writing, this issue has only been reprted in the Irish philatelic bulletin The Collector. A PDF-version of the current issue is available from The Irish Philatelic Service's homepage. It will also be available in the online stamp shop.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Jersey EUROPA Stamps with Cats in the Margins
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky and Marci Jarvis
Namibian Postcard Rate Cheetahs
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
YoT Issue from Indonesia
Indonesia's YoT set sees the light on 6 February 2010. The set consists of 3 IDR 1500 stamps and a IDR 5000 Miniature sheet.
The IDR 1500 stamps are sold from ordinary sheets of 24 stamps (printed se-tenantly), as well as in 6-stamp Miniature Sheets.
In addition to the stamps, there are two FDCs with a Tiger in the postmark, a presentation pack and also a souvenir pack with special prints of the IDR 5000 MS.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Hong Kong Celebrates the Tiger
Hong Kong Post issues its set to celebrate the Year of the Tiger on 6 February 2010.
4 stamps, 3 miniature sheets and 4 pre-franked postcards are on offer, alongside FDCs, Presentation Packs - all in all 37 different products.
If you want them all, prepare to shell out HKD 3,003.00. They can be pre-ordered at the HK Post webshop for overseas customers.
Read more at the HK Post website.
Reported by TS Tan
Kyrgyz Tiger
Reported by Geir Arveng
Year of the Tiger Computer Postage from France
Guinea Bissau: Pedigree Cats and Lions Club
Reported by Geir Arveng
North Korean Leopard Stamp and Stationary
North Korea issued a set dedicated to Wildlife on 30 January 2010. One of the stamps, denominated KPW 110, shows a Leopard. The stamp is issued in sheetlets of 6 stamps, as well as in booklets. The booklet continues 1 of each of the stamps in the set, and also shows a Tiger on the cover.
The sheetlet contains 6 leaopard stamps, one stamp-size label with an Eurasian Lynx, as well as cheetahs and leopards in the selvedge. Both the booklet and the sheetlet is also issued in imperforate versions.
The set also includes a couple of postal stationary items of interest to catstamp collectors.
A KPW 60 Pre-stamped Envelope shows a Leopard in the cachet, and a KPW 110 Aerogramme has a stamp indicum like the Leopard stamp.
Reported by T.S. Tan
Slovenian YoT issue
Slovenia has joined the ranks of postal administrations issuing stamps for the Lunar New Year. Their Tiger issue consists of a single EUR 0.92 stamp designed by Edi Berk.
The FDC shows a Tiger in the catchet, and the postmark shows a Chinese character, presumably the one for "Tiger".
Information (in Slovenian) can be found at the Slovenia Post website. We have also downloaded the article and order form from the Slovenian Philatelic Bulletin (Slovenian/English/German).
Reported by Geir Arveng
Swedish Black Cats
On 28 January, the Swedish Post gives us a set of four self-adhesive stamps showing cat silhouettes.
The stamps are designed by Swedish designer Carina Länk. Each stamp represents the body language of cats, and the motifs are called "Food is Good", "It's Mine", "Keep Your Distance" and "I Slept Well". They are issued in booklets of 10 with Cat Paw Prints on the booklet cover.
The stamps are all denominated "Brev Innrikes" (Inland Letter - SEK 6.00 at the time of issue).
The First Day Cover is serviced in Stockholm, and the First Day Postmark also features a cat.
At the time of writing there's still nothing at Sweden Post's Website, but the issue will be available at their Webstore follwing the date of issue.
If you understand Swedish, we have scanned the article from the Swedish Philatelic Bulletin presenting the issue.
Reported by Marci Jarvis with additional information from Thorsten Sandberg, Sweden Post
Lions International 50 Years in Israel
Israeli Lions Clubs celebrate the golden jubilee of the national chapter this year, and the event is celebrated by a stamp issue from Israel Post on 27 January 2010. The stamp is denominated ILS 4.60 and includes the Lions International logo.
The First Day Postmark also shows the Lions Logo.
You can find an article about the organisation and its jubilee here, and technical information on the issue at the Israeli Philatelic Federation's website.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Tigers from Belgrade
The Serbian Post offered its Year of the Tiger issue for 27 January 2010. There are two stamps denominated RSD 22 and 50, respectively. There's also an FDC with Tigers both in the cachet and the First Day Postmark.
There's nothing yet at Jugomarka's website, but we expect the stamps to be presented there soon.
If you want to contact them by other means, the conact info are as follows:
Jugomarka
PO Box 665
RS-11000 BELGRADE, Serbia
Tel + 381 11-32 31 952
Fax + 381 11-32 41 331
e-mail: jumarka@ptt.yu
Reported by Geir Arveng and Marci Jarvis
Three Miniature Sheets from St Thomas and Prince
Reported by Geir Arveng and Greg Balagian
Japanese YoT Miniature Sheet
The two Japanese Year of the Tiger stamps issued 12 November 2009, was - true to tradition - re-issued in the form of a two-stamp Miniature Sheet on 25 January 2010. The MS was never for sale over the counter at ordinary post offices, but served as prizes in the New Year Lottery draw.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Sicilian Lions Convention
There's an Italian Lions Club postmark used in Palermo, Sicily 22 January 2010 for the convention of the local Lions Club.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 8 weeks after the last date of use, and this one can be ordered by sending addressed mail franked with Italian stamps to:
Poste Italiane
Filiale di Palermo 1
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Palazzo Poste
Via Roma, 320
IT-90133 Palermo, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 28 ("Bollo N. 28")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.65
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 0.85
Oceania: EUR 1.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
75th Anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India was founded in 1935, and thus celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2010. India Post does not leave this jubilee unmarked, and issues a stamp in its honour 16 January 2010. The bank's seal features a Tiger, but this is nowhere to be found on the stamp. Looking carefully, and knowing your Indian numismatics, you will, however, spot a number of Indian coins, on which features the three Lions of the Ashoka Pillar, India's national emblem.
The Tiger in the seal feature prominently on the FDC - in the cachet as well as in the postmark.
The Uttarakahand Circle of India Post also issued a local booklet to mark the jubilee. On the booklet cover there's a tiger.
Reported by Geir Arveng
L'année du Tigre est là
France's La Poste continues its series of Lunar New Year stamps with the Tiger in 2010. There's a single EUR 0.56 stamp showing a watercolour painting of a Tiger, relaxedly pacing towards us. The stamp is issued in ordinary sheets, as well as in single-stamp and 5-stamp miniature sheets.
The 5-stamp MS also shows a little tiger on the selvedge, alongside the other 11 animals of the Lunar Zodiac.
The single-stamp MS is marketed as a "Philatelic Souvenir", and shows a bas-relief of a Tiger on the selvedge. It comes in a cardboard folder with the famous Chinese Terracotta Warriors on the cover and sells for EUR 3.00.
All items can be ordered from La Poste's Online Boutique.
Reported by Geir Arveng and TS Tan
North Korean Tiger Celebrations
North Korea celebrates the Year of the Tiger with two stamps and a lenticular Miniature Sheet on 14 January 2010.
The stamps are denominated KPW 30 and 67, and they exist in both perforate and imperforate versions.
The single-stamp, lenticular MS is denominated KPW 171. The stamp and the selvedge forms a composite design of a mother Tiger and her two cubs. By tilting the MS/Stamp, the two cubs will be seen as playing with one another. Not easy to scan, but we have tried......
Alongside the stamps, there's also some postal stationary items that we have not seen yet.
Reported by T.S. Tan
U.S. Year of Tiger
This year's U.S. lunar zodiac stamp shows the very popular Clarence Lee papercut zodiac tiger design in the upper Left corner, along with a photo that is significant to the celebration of the Lunar New Year - hence the narcissus for the Year of the Tiger.
The USD 0.44 stamp is issued 14 January 2010 - in sheetlets of 12 self-adhesive stamps.
There will be a First Day Ceremony in Los Angeles with a generic b&w postmark, as well a a digital colour postmark showing a tiger. For details about this issue and for ordering First Day Cancellations, click here.
A First Day cancelled envelope with the ceremony programme will be available at the ceremony, and also from the USPS online store at USD 6.95.
Ther's also a 'Year of the Tiger Limited Edition Note Card Set' containing 12 note cards, envelopes and a sheetlet of 12 stamps.
The stamps and other products are available from the USPS online store.
Finally in Clemson, SC there will be a commemorative postmark to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. The postmark can be obtained until 13. February 2010 by sending stamped envelopes or postcards to:
Tiger Postmark
519 College Ave.
CLEMSON, SC 29631
USA
Postage rates:
US USD 0.28 (post card)/
USD 0.44 (letter)
Canda/Mexico: USD 0.75
World: USD 0.98
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Austrian Wildcat
One of the first Austrian issues of 2010 is dedicated to Austrian Wildlife, and a EUR 0.65 stamp of the set shows a European Wildcat. The stamp is one of a set of three, the other two showing a River Trout and an Otter. The stamp is self-adhesive and comes out of rolls of 100 stamps.
The First Day Postmark also shows a Wildcat.
Further deatail can be found at the Post.at website, and it is also for sale in their Online Shop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Aussie Tiger Postmarks
Christmas Tigers
True to form, Australia Post issues a set of stamps for Christmas Island to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This is the third Lunar New Year stamp designed Dani Poon for Australia Post. Dani designed the first of a 12-year zodiac cycle with her Year of the Rat stamps in 2008. The Year of the Ox stamps followed in 2009.
The issue consists of several stamps and philatelic products, and - suprise - the Tigers are in abundance this year. The stamps are adorned witg gold foil, that in some cases will appear as black when scanned.
First there's the set of ordinary, gummed stamps. The AUD 0.55 stamp shows a stylized Tiger's front part and tail, formed to fit into a Chinese character (for Tiger?), while the AUD 1.65 stamps shows the same Chinese character with one part in the form af a Tiger's foot. Theres also a tiny Tiger Paw Print.
As we have seen with the Christmas Island Lunar Zodiac issues for the past few years, there's also a gutter design with all the 12 animals on the AUD 0.55 sheets. The AUD 1.65 gutter strips have ordinary "traffic lights".
Then there's a '12-Year Cycle (special edition sheetlet pack)' with on self-adhesive stamp for each animal of the lunar cycle. The Tiger can be found on an AUD 0.55 stamp at 2 o'clock in the circle of stamps, and there's also a Tiger on the front cover.
The two stamps are also issued in a Miniature Sheet sold individually and in packs of 5, and again in a 'Zodiac Sheetlet' alongside a suite of 12 lower-denominated stamps - again with the animals of the Lunar Cycle and the Tiger on an AUD 0.20 stamp.
A Prestige Booklet is also on offer. At AUD 12.95 we get all the stamps and a lot of information on the Lunar Zodiac and hosroscopes.
Then there are also some pieces of postal stationary, in the form of pre-stamped postcards and envelopes both for domestic and international use. We have only seen scans of the picture side of the postcard yet, but assume that there's also a Tiger in the stamp indicum.
There are three official FDCs with stamps, and first day cancellation of the postal stationary products will also be possible.
All the products are available in Australia Post's web-shop. The stamps are valid for postage in Australia and Australian territories, with the exception of Norfolk Island.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
French WWF PSEs
On 8 January La Poste in France issued a set of 5 PSEs/PAPs in cooperation with WWF. One of the envelopes show a Tiger in the cachet. All 5 are valid for inland postage up to 20g.
The PSEs can be ordered from La Poste's online boutique.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Tigers from Singapore
Singapore naturally also celebrates the Year of the Tiger, and issues a set of 3 gummed and one self-adhesive stamps, as well as a Miniature Sheet with two higher value stamps.
The gummed stamps are denominated '1st Local', SGD 0.65 and SGD 1.10 respectively. The two stamps in the MS are valued SGD 5.00 and SGD 10.00.
The self-adhesive stamp is also valued '1st Local' and is sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps.
Furthermore there's an FDC with a tiger postmark...
...and a presentation pack.
The stamps can be ordered at Singapore Post's online shop.
For technical details see the information folder for the issue.
Reported by TS Tan
Canada's YoT Issue
True to tradition, Canada joins in the celebration of the Year of the Tiger with a stamp and a miniature sheet to be issued on 8 January 2010.
Canada issues one NVI 'Permanent' stamp (inland letter rate - CAD 0.57 at time of issue), one single-stamp miniature sheet with a CAD 1.70 stamp.
There are different first day postmarks for the stamp and MS and also two pre-stamped postcards.
At the time of writing there's nothing at the Canada Post Webshop, but the issue will certainly become available for orders soon.
Reported by Geir Arveng and TS Tan
Kiwi Tigers
The Kiwis start their 2010 stamp programme wuth their Year of the Tiger issue.
There are four stamps (NZD 0.50, 1.00, 1.80, 2.30).
The 50 c stamp shows the Chinese characters for Year of the Tiger (or simply Tiger?). The $1 stamp shows a stylized Tiger, the 1.80 a Tiger head and the 2.30 stamp shows the NZ Parliament Building in Wellington and a bird (?). We fail to see the Tiger connection of that last one, but at least there's a "Year of the Tiger" inscripton.
There's also a miniature sheet with the four stamps. These are, however, perforated differently. Stamps from ordinary sheets are perforated 14, while the stamps from the MS are perf. 13.33 x 13.60. So for those of us who care about such details - we actually have a total of 8 stamps from this issue.
There are FDCs with both stamps and MS, and a Presentation Pack. The postmark shows the Chinese characters from the 50 c stamp.
All stamps are allready available for orders in the NZ Post web-shop. A sympathetic feature at the store is that you can order single stamps, in case you only care for certain values in a set. Go via the "whole sheet" symbols in the web-shop.
See the NZ Post nformation page for more information.
Reported by TS Tan and Geir Arveng
Marshall Islands Zodiac Leo
The Marshall Islands issued a sheetlet with 12 stamps representing the signs of the Western Zodiac on 5 January 2010. On of the USD 0.44 stamps shows the Leo.
The stamps can be orered through the Marshall Islands Philatelic agent, Unicover.
Reported by TS Tan
China's New Year Tiger
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Reported by TS Tan and Geir Arveng
Trochtelfingen Heraldic Lion
There's a German special postmark coming up in the beginning of January in Trochtelfingen for the regional philatelic exhibition TROGAPHIL 2010.
There's a tiny Heraldic Lion in the right of the two shields. The date of use is 5 January 2010, and the postmark is available for 28 days by sending your covers or postcards to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung PHILATELIE
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
Refer to "Sonderstempel Nr. 25/508"
Letters/postcards should be franked with official German stamps issued by Deutsche Post and denominated in Euros. Stamps must be placed in the "normal stamp position" on the address side. Internet franking is NOT allowed.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Letter EUR 0.55
Europe: Postcard EUR 0.65 / Letter EUR 0.70
World: Postcard EUR 1.00 / Letter EUR 1.70
Reported by Geir Arveng
Antigua and Barbuda YoT
Reported by Geir Arveng
Spanish Lion Statue....and Heraldics as well
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Macao Tigers
After Thailand, Macao follow suit, and issues their YoT set on 2 January 2010.
There are 4 stamps each valued MOP 1.50, issued in a sheetlet with 5 of each stamp, as well as a single MOP 5.00 stamp.
There's also a single-stamp miniture sheet with a diamon shaped stamp denominated MOP 10.00.
There are FDCs for both the single stamps and for the MS, and the First Day Postmark shows a stylized Tiger.
The stamps and all philatelic items are available from the Macao Post's Online Philatelic Shop.
Reported by TS Tan
Happy New Year from Thailand
For the catstamps in this Year of the Tiger, Thailand leads the way and issues their Tiger stamp on 1 January 2010. Thailand Post gives us a stylized tiger on a THB 3.00 stamp.
The official FDC is serviced in Bangkok, and here the tiger is both on the cachet and on the First Day Postmark.
Thailand Post also offers an illustrated First Day Sheet with a large Tiger photo.
Reported by Marci Jarvis