Latest update of this archive: 2 October 2012
For older items, see 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.
Canadian Football Stamps
Canada Post issues a sheetlet of 8 stamps dedicated to Canadian Football Teams on 29 June 2012.
Two of the stamps feature cats, namely the ones dedicated to te BC Lions (first stamp, top row) and the Hamilton Tiger Cats (second stamp, lower row).
The stamps are denominated P (for Permanent - Inland basic postage - CAD 0.61 on issue).
Collectors can also order the set in strips of 4 stamps from the Canadian Philatelic Service.
UPDATE: The stamps are also issued in coils of 50 in self-adhesive versions, and die-hard fans can also buy a dispencer for the coil stamps at CAD 4.99.
The FDC for the sheetlet does not have any cat-related elements aside from the two stamps.
The stamps can be ordered at Canada Post's Website.
Further footbal stamps will be issued by Canada Post on 18 August 2012
Reported by Geir Arveng and Nahum Shershevsky
Teddy Kollek, Former Mayor of Jerusalem
A postmark showing the City Arms of Jerusalem will be used as the First Day Postmark for the Teddy Kollek stamp (former Mayor of Jerusalem) on 26 June 2012.
The postmark can be applied on other stamps as well.
The Jerusalem City Arms can also be found on the tab of the stamp.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Summer Greetings from Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel
Japan Post issues two self-adhesive sheetlets of Summer Greetings stamps dedicated to Hello Kitty and her boyfriend Dear Daniel on 22 June 2012. The sheelet are each composed of 10 stamps denominated JPY 50 and JPY 80 respectively. There are 5 different designs for the JPY 50 stamps and 8 different designs for the JPY 80 stamps.
First Day Postmarking is carried out at Tokyo Central Post Office as well as in Tokyo's Nihonbashi Post Office.
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| Tokyo CPO Hand-canceller | Tokyo CPO Machine Postmark |
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| Nihonbashi PO Hand-canceller | Nihonbash PO Machine Postmark |
Alongside the stamps, Japan Post also offers a suite of Hello Kitty postcards, letter sheets and other (un-franked) stationary items.
The stamp issue is presented at Japan Post's Philatelic Web Pages (in Japanese only).
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Centenary of the Corps of Spanish State Attorneys
Spain issued a EUR 0.85 stamp om 18 June 2012 to celebrate the centenary of the Corps of State Attorneys. The CoA of the servce has a Heraldic Lion.
See the online philatelic catalogue of the Spanish Post.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Bulgarian Lion Relief
On 16 May 2012 the Bulgarian Post issued a stamp showing the famous 12th century Lion bas-relief from Stara Zagora.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Gambian Wild Cats
Gambia issued a set of stamps dedicated to African Wildcats on 16 May 2012. The set consists of one 3-stamp and one single-stamp miniature sheet. The 3-stamp MS shows a Caracal, a Cheetah and a Jungle Cat on the stamps - all three denominated GMD 40. Theres a male Lion on the selvedge. The single-stamp MS shows a Lion on the GMD 100 stamps, and a Leopard on the selvedge.
Reported by Geir Arveng
French Tin Soldiers
France issued a miniature sheet with 6 stamps dedicated to tin soldiers on 10 June 2012. One of the stamps shows a crusader with a Heraldic Lion on his shield. The stamps are denominated EUR 0.60 - the basic inland letter rate.
Alongside the miniature sheet, La Poste also issued a philatelic souvenir for the Spring Salon de Timbre in Paris, consisting of 6 one-stamp Miniature Sheets sold at EUR 15.00 at the fair, as well as from the Philatelic Service.
Cover
Crusader Miniature Sheet.
Both the 6-stamp MS and the Philatelic Souvenir is for sale from La Poste's Online Boutique (for some reason listed with a wrong issue date).
Reported by Greg Balagian
Centenary of the Russian National Art Gallery
On 6 June 2012 the Russian Post issued a Miniature Sheet denominated RUB 30.00 on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. The selvedge shows items from the museum's Italian collection, including Donatello's Marzocco (The Lion of Tuscany).
The issue is presented in the Russian Post's Online Catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Brazilian Wild Cats
Brazil issued a set of stamps dedicated to Brazilian Fauna on 6 June 2012. Both stamps in the set features cats, namely a Jaguarundi and an Ocelot.
The stamps are both denominated "1o Porte Carta Comercial" or 1st step inland letter rate (BRL 1.10 on issue).
The first day service is carried out in Campo Grande, Sothern Mato Grosso, and the two cats are also prominent in the First Day Postmark and in the FDC cachet.
If you read Portugese, you can read all the details at the Brazilian Post's Philatelic pages.
Reported by TS Tan
Teenie's Fishing Derby
In Vermont it's that time of year again - time to go fishing!
As in previous years, artist Donna Wilkens has submitted a drawing of a tabby cat for a postmark commemorating Teenie's Annual Handicapped & Seniors Fishing Derby in Chittenden, Vermont.
The postmark is available until 3 July 2012 by sending addressed letters or postcards franked with US stamps to:
Robert Bearor
Fishing Derby Station
Postmaster
PO Box 9998
CHITTENDEN, VT 05737-9998
USA
Postage:
US: Postcard USD 0.32 / Letter USD 0.45 (or a Forever-stamp)
Canda/Mexico: USD 0.85
Rest of the World: USD 1.05
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Australian Hello Kitty Sheetlet
On 1 June 2012 Australia Post issues a stamp pack with 10 stamps with 10 different pre-personalised labels showwing Hello Kitty. This product is (for unknown reasons) not yet listed in Australia Post's Online Store, but it was asdvertised in Stamp Bulletin no. 317, and the issue date has been confirmed by Australia Post.
Reported by Geir Arveng
International Childrens' Day Celebrated by Slovakia
On 1 June 2012 Slovakia issued a single stamp for International Children's Day. The stamp shows a cake, and if you look closely you'll see a childishly drawn cat in the "icing" on the side of the cake. The First Day Postmark from Bratislava also has one, and theres a cat and a lion in the FDC cachet.
The stamp is denominated T2 - 50g (second class (?) domestic letter - EUR 0.40 on issue). It is issued as ordinary stamp with or without personalizable label, as well as in self-adhesive version from booklets of 10 stamps.
The stamps are presented in Slovakia Post's Online Catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
US 1c Bobcat Stamp
US domestic postal rates recently increased, and this has increased demand for 1c stamps. So on 1 June 2012, the USPS issues a new animal stamp drawn by Nancy Stahl (who also gave us the 2007 Florida Panther post card stamp as well as last year's Amur Tiger Cub semi-postal stamp).
The First Day ceremony will take place in San Marcos, TX.
We have not seen any information about First Day Postmarks and other related products yet, but will update this post as soon as it becomes available.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
A Dancing Griffin
The sub-genres of feline philately are many, and if your album pages for cartoonish Griffins has empty space - here's a chance to add an item:
On the 20 May 2012, The State Fireworks School of Baden-Würtemberg in Bruchsal holds an Open Door Day as a part of the Baden-Würtemberg State Jubilee Celebrations (60th anniversary of German federal statehood).
The event is marked by a commemorative postmark showing the stag and the Griffin from the state coat of arms in a joyful dance.
The postmark can be ordered by sending envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung PHILATELIE
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 09/140" and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last date of use.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.55
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.75
Reported by Geir Arveng
500th Anniversary of Alsfeld City Hall
The celbrations of the 500th anniversary of the Alsfeld City Hall started last year with a commemorative postmark in April 2011, amd also this year Deutsche Post offers a commemorative postmark. It was in use 19 May 2012 in Alfeld, and shows the City Hall and the Alsfeld Coat of Arms.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
US Tiger Postmarks
In May, the USPS offers no less than three commemorative postmarks featuring Tigers. Two are in last year's Save Vanishing Species-series, the third is for Milwaukee County Zoo.
The postmarks can be obtained for 30 days by sending letters or postcard franked with US stamps to the addresses below each postmark.
Note: I wouldn't put envelopes/postcards for both California postmarks in the same envelope, as they may be separate operations and you may receive all the same postmarks
| 18 May 2012 | 18 May 2012 | 20 May 2012 |
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| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Escondido CA Tiger Station Postmaster PO Box 85530 SAN DIEGO, CA 92186-5530 USA |
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service San Diego CA Tiger Station Postmaster PO Box 85530 SAN DIEGO, CA 92186-5530 USA |
Milwaukee Philatelic Society, Inc. Milwaukee County Zoo Tiger Stn. Postmaster PO Box 5066 MILWAUKEE, WI 53201-5066 USA |
Postage:
US: Postcard USD 0.32 / Letter USD 0.45 (or a Forever-stamp)
Canda/Mexico: USD 0.85
Rest of the World: USD 1.05
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Luxemburg's Olympic Jubilee
The National Olympic Committee of Luxemburg celevrates its centenary this year, and the Luxemburg Post marks the event with an Olympic stamp issue 15 May 2012. One of the stamps - denominated EUR 0.60 - shows the committe's emblem, a stylized Heraldic Lion.
The stamp is sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps, with earlier Luxemburg olympic stamps in the margin, one of which also shows a Heraldic Lion (3rd stamp, bottom left).
The stamp is presented at Luxemburg Post's Philately Website.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Lions International Congress in Sanremo
A commemorative postmark will be in use in Sanremo for the 17th Statutory Congress of Lions International District 108 Ia3 on 13 May 2012.
The Postmark shows a child caring for a tree and the Lions Club Logo.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days 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 Imperia
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Viale Matteotti, 55
IT-18100 IMPERIA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 242 ("Bollo N. 242")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Puerto Rico Comic Cat
On 10 May 2012 the "2nd Big Comic Strips Expo" was marked by a commemorative postmark in San Juan Puerto Rico. The postmark shows characters from John Rivas' Comic Bonzzo, with the cat Tirillas to the left in the postmark.
The postmark can be obtained until 9 June 2012 by sending letters or postcard franked with US stamps to:
Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico
The Art of Bonzzo at the General Archive of Puerto Rico Station
Postmaster
585 Ave. FD Roosevelt, Ste. 110
SAN JUAN, PR 00936-9681
USA
Postage:
US: Postcard USD 0.32 / Letter USD 0.45 (or a Forever-stamp)
Canda/Mexico: USD 0.85
Rest of the World: USD 1.05
Reported by Geir Arveng
Swiss Lion Fountain on Pro Patria Stamps
The traditional Swiss Pro Patria stamps of this year is issued on 9 May 2012. The issue comprises 4 semi-postal stamps, on of which depict the Löwenbrunnen (Lion Fountain) at the Eichberg Estate in Uetendorf. The Löwenbrunnen stamp is denominated CHF 0.85 + 0.40.
The stamps are sold in ordinary sheets, and the Löwenbrunnen stamp is also sold in a booklet along with one of the other stamps in the set. The booklet also shows the fountain on the cover and sells for CHF 14.50 (6 x 0.85 + 0.40 and 4 x 1.00 + 0.50).
The stamp can be ordered form the Swiss Post's Online Stampshop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Guernsey Celebrates Prince William's 30th
HRH Prince William (The Duke of Cambridge), celebrates his 30th birthday on 21 June 2012, but allready on 8 May 2012 Guernsey issues a set of 6 stamps to celebrate the royal event. On the GBP 0.48 stamp, the prince is seen wearing a shirt with the Guernsey Coat of Arms with its three lions.
The stamp is self-adhesive and it's sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps.
The stamps are available fro Guernsey Philatelic Bureau.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Another Russian PSE for Sochi Olympics
On 27 April 2012 another pre-stamped envelope showing the Sochi Olympic Mascots was issued in Russia. The cachet shows the three mascots 'Leopard', 'Hare' and 'Polar Bear' greeting you in front of a snow-laden wooden chalet.
There was a First Day Ceremony in Sochi, and the First Day Postmark also included the mascots.
The envelope is denominated A for basic inland postage (RUB 13.00 on issue). It is listed in the Russian Post's Online Philatelic Catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
1200th Anniversary of Anzing
The City of Anzing in Bavaria celebrates its 1200th Anniversary this year, and the occasion is marked by a commemorative postmark in Anzing City Hall on 23 April 2012.
The postmark shows tha Coat of Arms of Anzing with a Heraldic Lion.
The postmark can be ordered by sending envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung PHILATELIE
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 07/088" and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last date of use.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.55
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.75
Reported by Geir Arveng
Outlaws of the Marsh
The Classic Chinese novel "Outlaws of the Marsh" (also known as "Shuihu Zhuan", "Water Margin", "All Men Are Brothers", "Men of the Marshes", or "The Marshes of Mount Liang") by Shi Nai'an (ca. 1296 - 1372) is commemorated in a Taiwanese stamp set issued 25 April 2012.
One of the TWD 5.00 stamps in the set of four depicts one of the main characters Wu Song killing a Tiger, and the scene is also depicted in the FDC cachet and the First Day Postmark.
The scene depicted is "Slaying the Tiger on Jingyang Ridge": The local government issues a warning about a tiger on Jingyang Ridge and advises travelers only to cross the ridge in the safety of a large group. Cocky Wu Song disregards the warning and crosses the ridge alone. Suddenly, a huge tiger with a white forehead and fierce-looking eyes leaps out at him. Though in a state of shock, Wu Song bravely fights the tiger and eventually paralyses it. The chapter features especially good descriptions of Wu Song’s fearlessness and valor. (description from Chungwa Post's official presentation of the stamps).
The stamps and FDC will be for sale at Chungwa Post's online Stamp Mall from the day of issue.
Reported by Geir Arveng and TS Tan
UNPA: Three Cats in Endangered Species Set
Reported by Marci Jarvis
A Ski-jumping Snow Leopard
On 17 April 2012 the Russian Post issued a new long-format pre-stamped envelope for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The envelope shows the games' mascot Leopard (actually a Snow Leopard) as a ski-jumper. The PSE is listed in the Russian Post Online Catalogue without an issue date, but we have seen it cancelled with a 17 April 2012 First Day Postmark.
The envelope is denominated A for basic inland letter rate (RUB 13.00 on issue).
Reported by Geir Arveng
Lions from Israel
On 17 April 2012 Israel Post will issue two stamps of interest to catstamp collectors. The first one is denominated ILS 2.00 and comes from a sheetlet of stamps dedicated to children's books. The bottom left stamp of the sheet shows "The Lion who Liked Strawberry" - written by Tirtzah Atar and illustrated by Zachi Carmen.
The Lion is also showed in the bottom of the vertical gutter label.
The second stamp of interest comes from a 3-stamp set dedicated to The Renaissance of Jewish Seamanship, and shows a heraldic lion in the emblem of Palestine Maritime Lloyd Ltd. which is featured on the tab of one of the stamps.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Cat in Belgian Pets Booklet
On 14 April 2012 (advance sale date - official issue date is 16 February 2012) Belgium's bpost issues a booklet of 10 self-adhesive stamps denominated 1 (inland letter rate - EUR 0.65 on issue).
One of the stamps shows a British Shorthair.
Advance sale is in Hannut and the official First Day of Issue servicing takes place in Brussels. There's a semi-longhair cat in both postmarks.
The issue is not yet presented at the bpost website, but we have scanned the article from the English version of Philanews #2-2012.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Scopigno Cup - International Youth Football Tournament
30 March 2012:
Burundi Tingatinga Leopard
On 30 March 2012 Burundi issued a long series of miniature sheets dedicated to painters and paintings. Two of the sheets homours Tanzanian painter Edward Saidi Tingatinga (1932-1972), whose distinct paintings lead to many East African paintings done in what now has come to be known as the Tingatinga-style.
In the 4-stamp MS, the first BIF 1070 stamp shows two Leopards, and another Leopard can be found on the selvedge of the BIF 7500 single-stamp MS.
Reported by Greg Balagian
A postmark showing the sihouettes of two cats was in use in Rome for the 2012 AFI International Cat Show on 24 March 2012.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days 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 Est
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Terzilio Cardinali, 11
IT–00173 ROMA, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 158 ("Bollo N. 158")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Danish Lions on French Stamp and PAP
In its ongoing series of stamps presenting European Capitals, France's La Poste issued a Miniature Sheet of four stamps presenting Copenhagen on 23 March 2012. One of the four EUR 0.60 stamps shows Rosenborg Castle with its two Lion statues. The Lions are small in the stamp (on each side of the gate). The photo below shows them a lot clearer.
A few days earlier a set of four pre-stamped envelopes (PAP - Prête-à-Poster in French) with the stamp designs as
Reported by Geir Arveng
Royal Mail issues a set of 10 stamps dedicated to British comic books on 20 March 2012. One of the stamps shows the cover of the Dandy Comic #1 (1937), where Korky the Cat has the honour of opening the ball.
Another of the stamps shows the cover of Tiger #1 (1954) with a Tiger's Head prominently placed in the book's masthead.
Korky the Cat can also be found in a First Day Postmark from Dundee.
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Patrick Robers
Abbiategrasso Coat of Arms
The above postmark was in use in Abbiategrasso for the 80th anniversary of Abbiategrasso's City Status on 17 March 2012.
The Postmark shows the Coat of Arms of Abbiategrasso with its Herladic Lion.
Italian special postmarks are normally available for 20 days 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 Milano 4
Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia
Via Gozzoli, 51
IT-20152 MILANO, Italy
Refer to postmark no. 149 ("Bollo N. 149")
Postage:
Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60
Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75
The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60
Oceania: EUR 2.00
Reported by Marco Carelli
Tajikistan Lunar New Year Stamps
Tajikistan issued two stamps for the Lunar New Year on 16 March 2012. The stamps themselves do not show any cats, but the various signs of the lunar zodiac are printed on marginal labels of the stamp sheetlets, including a Tiger (lower left side label).
Reported by Geir Arveng
Belgian Cartography Miniature Sheet
On 12 March 2012 Belgium's bPost issued a Miniature Sheet of 2 stamps dedicated to Belgian Cartograpnhy, honouring cartographers Mercator and Hondius. It shows Hondius' map "Nova totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula". If you look at the bottom of the sheet, a little to right from the E of CARTOGARPHIE, you will see a lion, next to a cow. You can see it better in the Wikipedia image of the map.
The stamps are both denominated World 3 (EUR 3.57/3.87 on issue) * .
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Belarus EUROPA Miniature Sheet
The theme for the 2012 EUROPA-stamps are "Visit..... (insert your country)". Belarus issues its set of two stamps on 12 March 2012, each denominated BYR 5000. The stamps themselves show no cats, but on the selvedge of the 6-stamp Miniature Sheet, you can see a little black-and-white bi-colour cat at the feet of the right hand couple.
A presentation of the stamps can be found at Belpochta's Online Catalogue.
Reported by TS Tan
New Stamps from Mailcats in Erfurt
Mailcats - The private German mail operator in Erfurt - issued a set of its definitive cat stamps in a new design on 12 March 2012. The stamps are denominated
- EUR 0.10 (supplementary postage)
- EUR 0.39 (postcard)
- EUR 0.49 (standard letter up to 20 g)
- EUR 0.89 (standard letter up to 50 g)
- EUR 1.39 (large letters up to 500 g)
- EUR 1.99 (large letters up to 1 kg)
On the same day they also issued a commemorative stamp to mark the 20th anniversary of the company showing their trademark Phantom Cat on a bike.
Mailcats delivers mail to all domestic addresses through its cooperation with other private operators, and also handles international mail in cooperation with various foreign postal operators.
Reported by Daniel Runge
Munich Postal Stationary Colloctors' Society Centenary Exhibition
On the occasion of the Munich Postal Stationary Colloctors' Society Centenary Exhibition in March, there will be a commemorative postmark in use on 3 March 2012 showing the Siciety's logo with the old Bavarian Royal Coat of Arms and its two heraldic lions.
The postmark can be ordered by sending envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:
DEUTSCHE POST AG
Niederlassung PHILATELIE
Sonderstempelstelle Weiden
DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany
The outer envelope should be marked with "Sonderstempel nr. 03/031" and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last date of use.
Postage rates:
Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.55
International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.75
Reported by Geir Arveng
Janosch' Tiger on Swiss Stamp
German illustrator and children's book author Janosch (Horst Eckert) is honoured by a Swiss stamp booklet on 8 March 2012. Amongsr his most popular characters is a Tiger, and he is featured both on the stamp, the booket, FDC cachet and in the First Day Postmark.
The booklet consists of 10 CHF 1.00 stamps (inland letter rate - B5 up to 100g).
The stamps are for sale in the Swiss Post's Philashop, and were presented in the magazine Focus.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Guinea Bissau Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee
On 5 March 2012 Guinea Bissau issued two Miniature Sheets to celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II's 60th anniversary as regent. Both miniature sheets are denominated XOF 3000 - one 5-stamp MS (5 x XOF 600) and one single-stamp XOF 3000 MS.
Reported by Geir Arveng
German Lynx - Self-adhesive Version
A self-adhesive version of the 9 Feburary Lynx stamp is issued in a so called Maxi-Set of 20 stamps (10 Lynxes, 10 Moose) on 1 March 2012.
The "First Use" Postmark for the Maxi-Set a Lynx alongside a Moose. Deutsche Post distinguishes between First Day Postmarks for the first appearance of a stamp design and First Use Postmarks for further versions of the same design.
The stamps can be ordered from Deutsche Post's Online Shop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Sochi Winter Olympics Mascot Stamps, Miniature Sheet and Postcards
The Russian Post released a set of two Miniature Sheets dedicated to the mascots of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics on 27 February 2012.
The the self-adhesive Miniature Sheet dedicated to the Olympic Mascots consists of 3 RUB 15.00 stamps showing the Snow Leopard, Hare and Polar Bear that was voted the 3 most popular mascot susggestions by the Russian public.
On the same day four postcards - one to each of the Olympic mascots and one for the two Paralympic mascots - were also issued. We have also seen the issue date reported as 6 February 2012, but all first day cancellations we have seen have been the 27.
There were separate First Day Postmarks for each mascot in use in Sochi as well as in Moscow, and you will be able to find many combinations of FDCs with single, stamps, MS and a combination of the postmarks
Finaly there's a Presentation Pack presenting all the mascots and containing the two MSs and a set of FDCs.
All items are presented in Russian Post's online Philatelic Catalogue:
- Miniature Sheet
- First Day Postmarks for Moscow and Sochi
- First Day Cover
- Postcard
- Presentation Pack
Reported by Geir Arveng
6th Philatelic Congress of Rhône-Alpes
On the occasion of the 6th Congress of the Groupement Rhône-Alpes de Philatélie (Association of Philatelic Clubs of the Rhône-Alpes Region) in Lyon, a commemorative postmark showing a Lion was in use on 25 and 26 February 2012.
Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Bengal Tiger from Guernsey
Guernsey Post will isue a single-stamp Miniature Sheet showing a Bengal Tiger on 22 February 2012.
The MS is denominated GBP 3.00.
Alongside the MS, there will be an FDC with a Tiger in the cachet and also a Presentation Pack.
The FDC is sold at GBP 4.20 and the Presentation Pack sells for GBP 3.90.
All the products can be bought online from Guernsey Post's Philatelic Bureau.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
South Korean Cartoon Cats
On 22 February 2012 Korea Post issues its second installment in the Korean Cartoons stamp series, with a sheetlet of 10 self-adhesive stamps, all denminated KRW 270, dedicated to the Pucca series of animated films, games and TV-shows. This time the issue is dedicated to the character Pucca. There are several cats in the marginal labels, and also a stamp showing the cat-costumed martial-arts specialist Garu.
The sheetlet can be ordered from the Koreastamp online store.
Reported by TS Tan
Norwegian Griffin
Norway Post issued its 5th installment in the ongoing series Norwegian Art on 21 February 2012 with two new stamps. The B-denominated stamp (inland economy rate - NOK 9.00 on issue) shows a sculpture of a Griffin by Norwegian sculptor Lars Utne (1862-1922). Several of his Griffins can be found on the roof of the National Gallery in Oslo. The stamps are sold in rolls of 100 stamps.
The Griffin can also be found in the First Day Postmark and in the FDC cachet.
In addition to the stamps and FDC, there's also a Presentation Pack that also shows Lars Utne's famous Lion statue on the National Theatre in Oslo on the cover.
Finally there's a First Day sheet with an FDC and additional information about the issue.
The products can be ordered from the Norwegian Philatelic Service's Webshop.
The products are presented in English and German in the Philatelic Service's Bulletin # 1-2012.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Tiger Mascot for the European Judo Championship 2012
The European Judo Championship 2012 will be held in Chelyabinsk on April 26-29, 2012. More than 2.5 thousand guests and participants will come to the capital of the South Ural in Russia.
The Russian Post issued a postcard to promote the event 21 February 2012, showing the championship's Tiger mascot Zhorik.
The postcard is denominated B (inland postcard rate - RUB 8.50 on issue) and is presented in the Russian Post's online catalogue.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Croatian Domestic Cats
The Croatian Post issued a set of 4 stamps on 21 February 2012 called "Children's World - Pets" - all dedicated to cats. There are two HRK 1.60-denominated stamps (inland postcard rate) showing a Housecat and a Ragdoll respectively, and two HRK 3.10-denominated stamps (inland letter rate up to 50g and international postcard rate).
The stamps are sold in sheetlets of two full sets, with cats' paw prints in the marginal labels.
The FDC cachet reproduces the skyline from the sheetlet margins and shows a stylized cat in the First Day Postmark.
The issue is presented at the Croatian Post's homepage.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
German Lynx
Deutsche Post issued a set of two stamps dedicated to Wild Animals on 9 February 2012. One of the two EUR 0.55 stamps shows a Eurasian Lynx and its cub. (The other stamp shows a Moose).
The stamp is published as an ordinary gummed stamp - sold in sheetlets of 10 - on 9 February 2012.
The First Day Postmark from Berlin shows a Lynx' Paw Print.
The stamps can be ordered from Deutsche Post's Online Shop.
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II
HM Queen Elizabeth II has ruled the United Kingdom and a number of other countries and terrotories for 60 years, and this is duly marked with stamp issues from most commonwealth countries (as well as a number of West African republics....). Royal Mail issues the stamps of the UK itself on 6 February 2012. There are no cats on the stamps, but at least three of the First Day Postmarks show Heraldic Lions.
Reported by Ian Billings (Norvic Philatelics)
The House of Windsor First Day Postmarks
Royal mail issues a set of stamps in its ongoing series of the British Royal Families on 2 February 2012. We have reache the current dynasty of monarchs from the Houses of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Windsor. No cats on the stamps themselves, but two of the First Day Postmarks show Heraldic Lions.
Reported by Ian Billings (Norvic Philatelics)
Japanese Spring Greetings Cat
On February 1 Japan issued two panes of five stamps each titled Spring Greetings. The self-adhesive pane of 5 JPY 80 stamps includes a cat in position 1 (if you have a better scan, please share). The stamp is designed by children's books illustrator Satoshi Iriyama.
If Japanese is your strong suite, the stamps are presented at Japan Post's Philatelic website.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Monaco Cat Show Slogan Postmark
A slogan postmark showing a cat was in use in Monte Carlo in February to promote the Monaco International Cat Show. The postmark was in use from 9 to 13 February 2012.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Polish Zoo Postcards
The Polish Post issued a set of four postcards in its series celebrating Polish Zoos on 31 January 2012. Two of the postcards shows wild cats, namely the one for Krakow Zoo with a prominent male Lion, and the one for Lódz Zoo showing a Cheetah.
The cards are available in the Polish Post's Online Shop, but can only be ordered from Poland.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Latvian Lion Statues
In 2011 Latvijas Pasts arranged a stamp design competition where the public was invited to submit proposals for a stamp issue underlining the importance of social networks. On 27 January 2012 the winning design "The Place Where Stories Are Born" was issued. The stamp depicts the stone lions of Vermanes Garden and the nearby tree-shrouded building of the restaurant Biblioteka No 1 ("Library # 1").
The stamp is denominated LVL 0.35 and is sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps.
One of the Lions can also be found in the FDC cachet.
The stamp and FDC is currently for sale in Latvias Pasts' e-shop.
Reported by Greg Balagian
Lions Club of Dehradun Golden Jubilee
The Lions Club of Dehradun, India celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and India Post celebrates the event with a commemorative postmark on 25 January 2012. The postmark shows the Lion Club Emblem as part of the jubilee logo.
Reported by Geir Arveng
US Year of the Dragon Sheetlet
USPS issues this year's Lunar New Year stamp on 23 January 2012, and as has been customary in the latter years, the stamps are sold in self-adhesive sheetlets of 12 stamps. The stamps are denominated 'Forever' (inand letter rate - USD 0.44 on issue). Clarence Lee's paper cuts of the Zodiac Animals that were used on the former series of Lunar New Year stamps from the US is shown in the sheetlet's margin with the Tiger on the left hand side.
The sheetlet is for sale at the USPS online store.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Future City - Helsinki World Design Capital 2012
On 23 January 2012 the Finnish Post issued a booklet of 8 winning stamp designs for the exhibition 'Future City - Helsinki World Design Capital 2012'. All stamps are denominate 1 KL (1st class inland postage - EUR 0.75 on issue).
The third stamp depicts a 'Man on a Bicycle and a Cat's Head' and is designed by Lahti-based graphic designer Ville Korhonen.
The boolet can be ordered from the Finnish Post's online store.
Reported by Marci Jarvis
Belgian Fantasy Creatures and Maya Jaguar
On 16 January 2012 (advance sales 14 January 2012), bpost issues a booklet of 10 self-adhesive stamps showing 10 fantasy creatures.
Two of the stamps include feline elements, namely one stamp with a Griffin and another one with a Sphinx. The stamps are denominated 1, representing the inland letter rate. Belgian non-denominated stamps are sold at a discounted price when sold in quantites of at least 10 1-denominated stamps or 5 stamps of other denominations. Denominations on issue is thus marked with two prices: EUR 0.65/0.75
On the same day bpost also issues a stamp dedicated to the Maya Calendar. The stamp itself has no cats, but it is sold in a Miniature Sheet of 5 stamps showing a Mayan Jaguar God on the selvedge. The stamps are denominated 1 World (letter rate outside Europe - EUR 1.19 on issue).
The Jaguar can also be found in the FDC cachet and on the First Day Postmark - both the advance sales postmark from Tongeren and the official FDP from Brussels.
Furthermore, bpost also sold franking labels during the advance salses ceremony with the Jaguar God.
The labels could be bought in the following denominations:
- 1 - inland letter rate standard formats up to 50g, EUR 0.65/0.75 on issue
- 2 - inland letter rate up to 100g, EUR 1.30/1.50 on issue
- 1 Europe - European letter rate, EUR 0.99/1.09 on issue
- 1 World - Worldwide letter rate, EUR 1.19/1.29 on issue
Both issues are presented at bpost's Philatelic Website - Fantasy Creatures - Maya Calendar. Belgian residents can also order the issues from the bpost eShop. The franking labels wer only sold in Tongeren during the advance sales ceremony.
Reported by Marci Jarvis and Greg Balagian
Andorra: A Black Cat at the Witches' Boutique
The French Post's Andorra branch issued a stamp in the ongoing Legends-series of stamps dedicated to the Legend of the Witches' Boutique. And where there are witches, there'll be black cats.....
Along the ancient road down the Aixovall, near the Catalan villages of Os de Civís and Bixessarri, you would find a geological formation resembling a portal grave. Legend has it that from here local women offered herbs, potions and salves to passers by in need of medicinal and magical remedies.......
The "boutique" has now disappeared in an enlargement of the new road, but the legend will now live on in our stamp albums and catalogues.
The stamp is denominated EUR 2.78 (registration fee for letters to France and Monaco).
The stamp can be ordered from La Poste's online boutique.
Reported by TS Tan
Kyrgyzstan Lunar Zodiac Sheetlet
Kyrgyzstan issued a sheetlet of 12 stamps dedicated to the signs of the Lunar Zodiac on 14 January 2012. The Tiger is of course presented on one of the stamps. The sheet exists both in perforate and imperforate versions.
Reported by Geir Arveng
175th Anniversary of the Portugese Military Academy
The Portugese Military Academy was founded in 1837 and thus celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2012. On 12 January 2012 the Portugese Post issued a set of two stamps and a miniature sheet for the occasion. The EUR 0.68 stamp (inland letter up to 50g) shows the academy's coat of arms with two Heraldic Lions.
The CoA can aldo be found in the official FDC cachet.
Reported by TS Tan
Monaco International Cat Show
Monaco continues its series of stamps promoting the Monaco International Cat Show in Monte Carlo in the beginning of each year. This year's stamp is issued 10 January 2012 - the show itself takes place 11 and 12 February 2012 in the Auditorium Rainier III in Monte Carlo.
The stamp shows a Russian Blue, and is denominated EUR 0.77 (European letter rate) and is sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps with a cat's paw print on margin labels.
We have not seen the FDC yet, but there are reports that there's also a cat in the First Day Postmark. Monaco Post also frequently promote international events in Monaco by using
Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky
Christmas Island Lunar Zodiac Stamps
It's the Year of the Dragon, and true to tradition, Australia Post issues Lunar New Year stamps for Christmas Island. Along the two main dragon stamps, there's also the so called Zodiac Sheetlet also containing all the twelve animals of the lunar cycle on low-denominated stamps. The Tiger is found in third position and is denominated AUD 0.20.
The AUD 0.20 Tiger stamp can also be found in the prestige booklet, where the tiger can also be found in the circle of zodiac animals present alongside every pane as well as on the booklet cover. The booklet sells for AUD 12.95.
As has been the case for the past issues, the lineup of zodiac animals can also be found in the horizontal gutter strip of the lower denomination stamp sheets, with the Tiger beeing in the second label from the Right.
Finally, there's an FDC with the low-denominations from the zodiac sheet. The only Tiger here is in the Tiger stamp itself, though.
The stamp issue is for sale from Australia Post Online Shop.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Moroccan Lion
The Moroccan Post issued a set of four stamps showing animals from Rabat Zoo on 9 January 2012. One of the stamps denominated MAD 8.40 is dedicated to the Atlas Lion and shows two handsome males.
The stamp is sold in ordinary sheets, and are also issued in a Miniature Sheet containing all 4 stamps and also a stylized Lion in the upper Left corner of the selvedge.
The stylized Lion can also be found in the First Day Postmark.
The stamps and other products are for sale at the Moroccan Post's Online Shop (Note: use the French version - the English version is not up to date.)
Reported by TS Tan
Guyana Lunar New Year Sheetlet
Guyana issued a Lunar New Year Sheetlet on 9 January 2012 consisting of 12 stamps denominated GYD 50.00, each showing one of the signs of the Lunar Zodiac.
The Tiger can be found in the third stamp of the sheet.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Year of the Dragon Sheetlet from France
France issues its Year of the Dragon Miniature Sheet of 5 EUR 0.60 stamps on 6 January 2012. As has been customary for the past years, all animals of the Lunar Zodiac is presented in the MS' selvedge.
The MS can be ordered from Laposte's Online Boutiqe.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Guinea Bissau Domestic and Wild Cats
The January offerings from the Guinea Bissau Post Office includes two miniature sheets with Pedigree Cats issued 5 January 2012.
One MS consisting og 5 x XOF 600 stamps includes one stamp each showing
- Bengals
- Turkish Vans
- Peterbalds
- Oriental Shorthairs
- Turkish Angora
The XOF 3000 single-stamp MS shows Siamese/Oriental Colourpoints/Colourpoint Shorthairs (depending on which registry you refer to) on the stamp, and a Siamese and two Abyssinian kittens on the selvedge.
On the same day there are also several Sheetlets and Miniature Sheets for the Rossica 2013 philatelic exhibition in Moscow. Two single-stamp Miniature Sheets show a Domestic Shorthair Cat on the selvedge.
Finally there's a single-stamp MS dedicated to banknotes showing fauna that offers both a Leopard and a Lion shown on South African banknotes. The Leopard on the ZAR 200 note and the Lion on the ZAR 50 note.
Reported by Geir Arveng
Macau Year of the Dragon
Everyone for Lorca
For older items, see 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.