The Christmas stamps for 2020 told the Nativity story through four beautiful stained-glass window inspired illustrations, with a magnificent twist.
Issue information
For the first time ever, NZ Post had created an interactive experience with stamps. You simply downloaded the Magenta app onto your smartphone and used it to scan each stamp for an augmented reality experience. The viewer was guided through the story as the stamps highlighted the annunciation, the birth of Jesus, the star of Bethlehem and the wise men’s gifts.
How to use augmented reality (AR) with NZ Post's Christmas 2020 stamps
- Download the Magenta app from Google Play or the App Store
- Place your stamp on a flat surface
- Open Magenta and hold your device over the stamp
- Select ‘scan image’
- Touch the image on the screen to begin the AR experience!
Product listing for Christmas 2020
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 'The Annunciation' gummed stamp. The Angel Gabriel appeared from the heavens before Mary and told her she was going to have a baby, Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.70 'The Birth of Jesus Christ' gummed stamp. The night Jesus was born, an angel appeared before shepherds in their fields, and proclaimed good news of great joy for all people. |
$2.70 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.50 'The Star of Bethlehem' gummed stamp. A huge bright star shone in the night. Some wise men saw it andknew it to be the prophecy of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world and Son of God, and set out on a long journey to find him. |
$3.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $4.00 'The Wise Men’s Gifts' gummed stamp. The wise men finished their long journey west following the star to Bethlehem they worshipped him and presented their gifts; treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. |
$4.00 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single $1.40 'The Annunciation' self-adhesive stamp. | $1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single $2.70 'The Birth of Jesus Christ' self-adhesive stamp. | $2.70 |
 |
Single Stamp | Single $3.50 'The Star of Bethlehem' self-adhesive stamp. | $3.50 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $11.60 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $12.10 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with three self-adhesive stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $8.10 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $12.10 |
 |
Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet of 10 x $1.40 self-adhesive stamps. | $14.00 |
 |
Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet of 10 x $2.70 self-adhesive stamps. | $27.00 |
 |
Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet of 10 x $3.50 self-adhesive stamps. | $35.00 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 4 November 2020 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps, three self-adhesive stamps |
| Denominations: | Gummed: $1.40, $2.70, $3.50, $4.00; Self-adhesive: $1.40, $2.70 & $3.50 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Jon Ward, NZ Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus spot UV |
| Stamp size and format: | 35mm x 34.55mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 160mm x 90mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.286 x 13.895 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 3 November 2021. First day covers remained on sale until 30 December 2020. |