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Hongkong Post today (December 27) announced that a set of special stamps entitled "Year of the Horse" will be released for sale with associated philatelic products on January 11 (Saturday).
The Chinese zodiac, represented by 12 animals, is an integral part of traditional Chinese culture. Since ancient times, the 12 zodiac animals have been widely depicted in art and craft items. With the Year of the Horse approaching, Hongkong Post is presenting the third Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the fourth series, featuring a set of four stamps portraying horses in different art forms to highlight the theme of the Year of the Horse. A silk stamp sheetlet is also being released to mark the joyous occasion. In addition, Hongkong Post is releasing the second issue in the second series of "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals - Snake/Horse" to celebrate the Spring Festival. The Snake stamp is hot-foiled with silver while the Horse stamp is affixed with 22K gold-plated lace metal. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, the stamp sheetlet makes a perfect collectible.
Two Heartwarming Stamps (2014 Version) "Year of the Horse" Mini-panes, which adopt the respective designs of the $1.70 and the $3.70 mint stamps in the "Year of the Horse" special stamp issue of 2014, will also be released for sale at all philatelic offices from January 11.
Official First Day Covers for "Year of the Horse" and Official Souvenir Covers for the "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals - Snake/Horse" will be on sale at $1.20 each at all post offices from December 28. Official First Day Covers (Prestige Version) for "Year of the Horse" and Official Souvenir Covers (Prestige Version) for the "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals - Snake/Horse" will also be available at $8 each at all philatelic offices. These items will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from December 28 to January 3.
All philatelic offices will extend their operating hours until 5pm on January 11, except for the General Post Office and the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office which will be open until 6pm and the Airport Post Office which will be open until 8.30pm. The business hours of non-philatelic post offices will remain unchanged (please refer to Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.hk for details).
Information about this special stamp issue and associated philatelic products is available on Hongkong Post's website and the Hongkong Post Mobile App.
Ends/Friday, December 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:05
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