Mint set of four gummed stamps
Individual stamps included in this set:
- $2.30 Hakeke Harvest - This stamp depicts the lucky discovery of the hakeke (wood ear mushroom), with a snake calmly observing. Chew Chong (Chau Tseung) discovered hakeke in New Plymouth in 1875 and started a lucrative business exporting the fungus to China.
- $3.60 Lucky Dumplings - A chubby baby joyfully serves a huge dumpling, emblematic of the fortuitous new year to come. Dumplings are traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year to encourage prosperity and good luck, with their money-bag shape believed to symbolize wealth.
- $4.90 Roots of Ginseng - Known as the king of herbs in Chinese medicine, ginseng is a favoured gift for the elderly during the Lunar New Year. This stamp shows a snake wrapped delicately around the prized ginseng root, while its friend cheers triumphantly.
- $7.20 Singing in the New Year - This stamp represents the importance of music in Chinese culture. Here a girl serenades the snake with her guitar, celebrating the new year.
This stamp issue celebrates the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Snake. Click here for more information.
Check out the full range of stamps sets here.
| Date of issue: | 15 January 2025 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $2.30, $3.60, $4.90 & $7.20 |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | YMC Design, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Brebner Print, Napier by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 135mm x 90mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Arconvert Securpost Premium Gummed 110gsm |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 14 January 2026. First day covers will remain on sale until 14 January 2026. |
