þÿ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=utf-16"> <meta name="generator" content="Adobe GoLive"> <title>News Archive January - June 2011</title> </head> <body bgcolor="#ffffff"> <h1><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">News Archive January - July 2012</font></h1> <div align="left"> <p><i>Latest update of this archive: 11 March 2012</i></p> <p><i>For older items, see <a href="Newsarchive%202011_2.html">News Archive July - December 2011</a><br> <img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><a href="Newsarchive%202011_1.html">News Archive January - June 2011</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202010_2.html">News Archive July - December 2010</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202010_1.html">News Archive January - June 2010</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202009.html">News Archive 2009</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202008.html">News Archive 2008</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive.html">News Archive 2006-2007</a>.</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <p><a id="JP20120622" name="JP20120622"></a><i>22 June 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Summer Greetings from Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20SH%20500%20HELLO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20SH%20500%20HELLO.jpg" alt="" height="653" width="247" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20SH%20800%20HELLO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20SH%20800%20HELLO.jpg" alt="" height="649" width="449" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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.</p> <p>First Day Postmarking is carried out at Tokyo Central Post Office as well as in Tokyo's Nihonbashi Post Office.</p> <table width="180" border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008994%201%20HE.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008994%201%20HE.jpg" alt="" height="145" width="148" border="0"></a></td> <td><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008994%202%20HE.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008994%202%20HE.jpg" alt="" height="145" width="148" border="0"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><i>Tokyo CPO Hand-canceller</i></td> <td><i>Tokyo CPO Machine Postmark</i></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008799%201%20HE.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008799%201%20HE.jpg" alt="" height="145" width="148" border="0"></a></td> <td><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008799%202%20HE.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120622%20FDP%201008799%202%20HE.jpg" alt="" height="145" width="148" border="0"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><i>Nihonbashi PO Hand-canceller</i></td> <td><i>Nihonbash PO Machine Postmark</i></td> </tr> </table> <p>Alongside the stamps, Japan Post also offers a suite of Hello Kitty postcards, letter sheets and other (un-franked) stationary items.</p> <p>The stamp issue is presented at <a href="http://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/stamp/tokusyu/2012/h240622_t.html">Japan Post's Philatelic Web Pages</a> (in Japanese only).</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> </div> <div align="left"> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <p><a id="US20120601" name="US20120601"></a><i>1 June 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">US 1c Bobcat Stamp</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Bobcat/US20120601%20ST%200_01%20BOB.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Bobcat/US20120601%20ST%200_01%20BOB.jpg" alt="" height="244" width="227" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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 <a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Puma/US20070512%20ST%2026%20Florida%20Panther.jpg">2007 Florida Panther post card stamp</a> as well as last year's <a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/US/US20110920%20ST%20FC__%20TIG.jpg">Amur Tiger Cub semi-postal stamp</a>).</p> <p>The First Day ceremony will take place in San Marcos, TX.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="DE20120520" name="DE20120520"></a><i>20 May 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A Dancing Griffin</font></b></p> <p><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/DE20120520%20PMK%2076646%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="223" width="295" border="0"></p> <p>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:</p> <p>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).</p> <p><img src="../design/Heraldic/DE_Baden-Wuerttemberg_Greater_CoA.png" alt="" height="285" width="489" border="0"></p> <p>The event is marked by a commemorative postmark showing the stag and the Griffin from the state coat of arms in a joyful dance.</p> <p>The postmark can be ordered by sending envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:<br> DEUTSCHE POST AG<br> Niederlassung PHILATELIE<br> Sonderstempelstelle Weiden<br> DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany<br> </p> <p>The outer envelope should be marked with &quot;Sonderstempel nr. 09/140&quot; and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last date of use.<br> Postage rates:</p> <p>Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.55<br> International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.75</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="IT20120513" name="IT20120513"></a><i>13 May 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lions International Congress in Sanremo</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/Lions_Club/IT/IT20120513%20PMK%2018038%20LIOC.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/Lions_Club/IT/IT20120513%20PMK%2018038%20LIOC.jpg" alt="" height="286" width="315" border="0"></a></p> <p>A commemorative postmark will be in use in Sanremo for the 17th Statutory Congress of Lions International District 108 Ia3 on 13 May 2012.</p> <p>The Postmark shows a child caring for a tree and the Lions Club Logo.</p> <p>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:</p> <p>Poste Italiane<br> Filiale di Imperia<br> Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia <br> Viale Matteotti, 55 <br> IT-18100 IMPERIA, Italy</p> <p>Refer to postmark no. 242 (&quot;Bollo N. 242&quot;)</p> <p>Postage: <br> Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60<br> Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75<br> The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60<br> Oceania: EUR 2.00</p> <p><i>Reported by Marco Carelli</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="US20120510" name="US20120510"></a><i>10 May 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Puerto Rico Comic Cat</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/US/US20120510%20PMK%2000901%20CAT.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/US/US20120510%20PMK%2000901%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="285" width="526" border="0"></a></p> <p>On 10 May 2012 the &quot;2nd Big Comic Strips Expo&quot; 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. </p> <p>The postmark can be obtained until 9 June 2012 by sending letters or postcard franked with US stamps to:</p> <p>Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico<br> The Art of Bonzzo at the General Archive of Puerto Rico Station<br> Postmaster <br> 585 Ave. FD Roosevelt, Ste. 110 <br> SAN JUAN, PR 00936-9681<br> USA<br> <br> Postage:<br> US: Postcard USD 0.32 / Letter USD 0.45 (or a Forever-stamp)<br> Canda/Mexico: USD 0.85<br> Rest of the World: USD 1.05</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="CH20120509" name="CH20120509"></a><i>9 May 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Swiss Lion Fountain on Pro Patria Stamps</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/CH/CH20120509%20ST%200_85__0_40%20LI.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/CH/CH20120509%20ST%200_85__0_40%20LI.jpg" alt="" height="266" width="227" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/IL/IL20120400%20MS%2016_00%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/CH/CH20120509%20BK%209_10__4_40%20LI.png" alt="" height="650" width="231" border="0"></a></p> <p>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).</p> <p>The stamp can be ordered form the <a href="https://sso.post.ch/shops/en/PhilaShop/Issue-of-952012/Pro-Patria" target="_blank">Swiss Post's Online Stampshop</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="TW20120425" name="TW20120425"></a><i>25 April 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Outlaws of the Marsh</b></font><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/TW/TW20120425%20ST%205_00%202%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/TW/TW20120425%20ST%205_00%202%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="173" width="233" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>The Classic Chinese novel &quot;Outlaws of the Marsh&quot; (also known as &quot;Shuihu Zhuan&quot;, &quot;Water Margin&quot;, &quot;All Men Are Brothers&quot;, &quot;Men of the Marshes&quot;, or &quot;The Marshes of Mount Liang&quot;) by Shi Nai'an (ca. 1296 - 1372) is commemorated in a Taiwanese stamp set issued 25 April 2012.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/TW/TW20120425%20FDC%2045_00%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/TW/TW20120425%20FDC%2045_00%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="158" width="232" border="0"></a></p> </div> <div align="left"> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/CH/TW20120425%20FDP%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/CH/TW20120425%20FDP%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="223" width="225" border="0"></a></p> <p>The scene depicted is &quot;Slaying the Tiger on Jingyang Ridge&quot;: 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 <a href="http://www.post.gov.tw/post/internet/u_english/postal_d_new_stamp.jsp?view_no=1#intro" target="_blank">Chungwa Post's official presentation of the stamps</a>).<br> </p> <p>The stamps and FDC will be for sale at <a href="https://stamp.post.gov.tw/post/stamp_mall/eng/p_goods/index.jsp" target="_blank">Chungwa Post's online Stamp Mall</a> from the day of issue.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng and TS Tan</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="UN20120417" name="UN20120417"></a><i>17 April 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">UNPA: Three Cats in Endangered Species Set</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger%20Cat/UNUS20120419%20ST%200_45%203%20LSP.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger%20Cat/UNUS20120419%20ST%200_45%203%20LSP.jpg" alt="" height="160" width="230" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/UNCH/UNCH20120419%20ST%201_00%201%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/UNCH/UNCH20120419%20ST%201_00%201%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="160" width="218" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/UNAT20120419%20ST%200_70%201%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/UNAT20120419%20ST%200_70%201%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="160" width="218" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/UNCH/UNCH20120419%20FDP%201211%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/UNCH/UNCH20120419%20FDP%201211%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="189" width="236" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/UNAT20120419%20FDP%201400%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/UNAT20120419%20FDP%201400%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="188" width="232" border="0"></a></p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="IL20120417" name="IL20120417"></a><i>17 April 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lions from Israel </font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/IL/IL20120400%20ST%202_00%207%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/IL/IL20120400%20ST%202_00%207%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="111" width="217" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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 &quot;The Lion who Liked Strawberry&quot; - written by Tirtzah Atar and illustrated by Zachi Carmen.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/IL/IL20120400%20MS%2016_00%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/IL/IL20120400%20MS%2016_00%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="541" width="650" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Lion is also showed in the bottom of the vertical gutter label.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/IL/IL20120400%20ST%203_00%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/IL/IL20120400%20ST%203_00%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="444" width="354" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><i>Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <p><a id="BE20120414" name="BE20120414"></a><i>14 - 16 April 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Cat in Belgian Pets Booklet </font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/BRI/BE20120414%20ST%201%203%20BRI.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/BRI/BE20120414%20ST%201%203%20BRI.jpg" alt="" height="191" width="223" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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).</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/BRI/BE20120414%20BK%2010x1%20BRI.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/BRI/BE20120414%20BK%2010x1%20BRI.jpg" alt="" height="587" width="224" border="0"></a></p> <p>One of the stamps shows a British Shorthair.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/DOM/BE/BE20120414%20FDP%204280%20DOM.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/DOM/BE/BE20120414%20FDP%204280%20DOM.jpg" alt="" height="238" width="245" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/DOM/BE/BE20120416%20FDP%201000%20DOM.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/DOM/BE/BE20120416%20FDP%201000%20DOM.jpg" alt="" height="238" width="236" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/BE20120414%20FDC%2010x1%204280%20MIX.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/BE20120414%20FDC%2010x1%204280%20MIX.jpg" alt="" height="406" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/BE20120416%20FDS%2010x1%201000%20MIX.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/BE20120416%20FDS%2010x1%201000%20MIX.jpg" alt="" height="501" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>The issue is not yet presented at the bpost website, but we have scanned the <a href="../articles/BE20120414%20ANIMALS%20FROM%20PHILANEWS%202_2012.pdf">article from the English version of Philanews #2-2012</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="IT20120407" name="IT20120407"></a><i>7 April 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Scopigno Cup - International Youth Football Tournament</font></b></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="IT20120324" name="IT20120324"></a><i>24 March 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">AFI International Cat Show in Rome</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/IT/IT20120324%20PMK%2000173%20CAT.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/IT/IT20120324%20PMK%2000173%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="334" width="334" border="0"></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <p>A postmark showing the sihouettes of two cats was in use in Rome for the 2012 AFI International Cat Show on 24 March 2012.</p> <p>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:</p> <p>Poste Italiane<br> Filiale di Roma Est<br> Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia <br> Via Terzilio Cardinali, 11 <br> IT 00173 ROMA, Italy<br> </p> <p>Refer to postmark no. 158 (&quot;Bollo N. 158&quot;)</p> <p>Postage: <br> Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60<br> Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75<br> The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60<br> Oceania: EUR 2.00</p> <p><i>Reported by Marco Carelli</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="GB20120320" name="GB20120320"></a><i>20 March 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">British Comics</font></b></p> </div> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/GB/GB20120320%20ST%201st%201%20CAT.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/GB/GB20120320%20ST%201st%201%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="167" width="170" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GB/GB20120320%20ST%201st%205%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GB/GB20120320%20ST%201st%205%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="170" width="171" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="Pics/GB20120320%20DANDY%20COMIC.jpg"><img src="Pics/GB20120320%20DANDY%20COMIC.jpg" alt="" height="304" width="220" border="0"></a><a href="Pics/GB20120320%20TIGER%20COMIC.jpg"><img src="Pics/GB20120320%20TIGER%20COMIC.jpg" alt="" height="296" width="230" border="0"></a></p> <p>Another of the stamps shows the cover of Tiger #1 (1954) with a Tiger's Head prominently placed in the book's masthead.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/GB/GB20120320%20FDP%20DD1%20CAT.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/GB/GB20120320%20FDP%20DD1%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="255" width="250" border="0"></a></p> <p>Korky the Cat can also be found in a First Day Postmark from Dundee.</p> </div> </div> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis and Patrick Robers</i></p> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="IT20120317" name="IT20120317"></a><i>17 March 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Abbiategrasso Coat of Arms</b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/IT/IT20120317%20PMK%2020081%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/IT/IT20120317%20PMK%2020081%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="249" width="325" border="0"></a></p> <p>The above postmark was in use in Abbiategrasso for the 80th anniversary of Abbiategrasso's City Status on 17 March 2012.</p> <p>The Postmark shows the Coat of Arms of Abbiategrasso with its Herladic Lion.</p> <p><a href="../design/Heraldic/IT_Abbiategrasso_CoA.jpg"><img src="../design/Heraldic/IT_Abbiategrasso_CoA.jpg" alt="" height="277" width="231" border="0"></a></p> <p>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:</p> <p>Poste Italiane<br> Filiale di Milano 4<br> Servizio Commerciale/Filatelia <br> Via Gozzoli, 51 <br> IT-20152 MILANO, Italy</p> <p>Refer to postmark no. 149 (&quot;Bollo N. 149&quot;)</p> <p>Postage: <br> Italy/San Marino/Vatican: EUR 0.60<br> Europe/Mediterranean: EUR 0.75<br> The Americas and other countries in Asia and Africa: EUR 1.60<br> Oceania: EUR 2.00</p> <p><i>Reported by Marco Carelli</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="DE20120303" name="DE20120303"></a><i>3 March 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Munich Postal Stationary Colloctors' Society Centenary Exhibition </b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/DE/DE20120303%20PMK%2080939%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/DE/DE20120303%20PMK%2080939%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="220" width="286" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../design/Heraldic/DEBA_Royal_CoA.png"><img src="../design/Heraldic/DEBA_Royal_CoA.png" alt="" height="299" width="225" border="0"></a></p> <p>The postmark can be ordered by sending envelopes/postcards franked with German stamps (computer postage not allowed) to:</p> <p>DEUTSCHE POST AG<br> Niederlassung PHILATELIE<br> Sonderstempelstelle Weiden<br> DE-92627 WEIDEN, Germany</p> <p>The outer envelope should be marked with &quot;Sonderstempel nr. 03/031&quot; and must arrive at the Special Postmark Office no later than the last date of use.</p> <p>Postage rates:<br> <br> Germany: Postcard EUR 0.45 / Standard letter EUR 0.55<br> International: Postcard/letter: EUR 0.75<br> </p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="CH20120308" name="CH20120308"></a><i>8 March 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Janosch' Tiger on Swiss Stamp</b></font></p> <p><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20ST%201_00%2014%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="220" width="250" border="0"></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20BK%2010_00%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20BK%2010_00%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="386" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>The booklet consists of 10 CHF 1.00 stamps (inland letter rate - B5 up to 100g).</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20FDP%203000%204%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20FDP%203000%204%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="210" width="212" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20FDC%201_00%2014%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CH/CH20120308%20FDC%201_00%2014%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="421" width="599" border="0"></a></p> <p>The stamps are for sale in the <a href="https://sso.post.ch/shops/de/PhilaShop/Ausgabe-vom-832012/Janosch" target="_blank">Swiss Post's Philashop</a>, and were presented in the magazine <a href="../articles/CH20120301%20Janosch%20from%20Focus.pdf">Focus</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="DE20120301" name="DE20120301"></a><i>1 March 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>German Lynx - Self-adhesive Version</b></font></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/DE/DE20120301%20BK%2011_00%20ELY.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/DE/DE20120301%20BK%2011_00%20ELY.jpg" alt="" height="256" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>A self-adhesive version of the <a href="#DE20120209">9 Feburary Lynx stamp</a> is issued in a so called Maxi-Set of 20 stamps (10 Lynxes, 10 Moose) on 1 March 2012.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/BA/BAMO20111101%20ST%203_00%203%20ELY.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/DE/DE20120301%20FDP%2053113%20ELY.jpg" alt="" height="190" width="226" border="0"></a></p> <p>The &quot;First Use&quot; 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.</p> <p>The stamps can be ordered from <a href="https://philatelie.deutschepost.de/Neuheiten/Briefmarken-Neuausgaben/" target="_blank">Deutsche Post's Online Shop</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="RU20120227" name="RU20120227"></a><i>27 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Sochi Winter Olympics Mascot Stamps, Miniature Sheet and Postcards</b></font><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20ST%2015_00%201%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20ST%2015_00%201%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="451" width="431" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20MS%2045_00%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20MS%2045_00%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="445" width="700" border="0"></a></p> </div> <div align="left"> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20PC%20B%202%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20PC%20B%202%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="500" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20FDP%20354000%201%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20FDP%20354000%201%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="304" width="308" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20FDP%20101000%201%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20FDP%20101000%201%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="307" width="314" border="0"></a></p> <p>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</p> <p><a href="Pics/RU20120227%20Game%20of%20FDCs.jpg"><img src="Pics/RU20120227%20Game%20of%20FDCs.jpg" alt="" height="701" width="507" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="Pics/RU20120227%20Mixed%20FDC.jpg"><img src="Pics/RU20120227%20Mixed%20FDC.jpg" alt="" height="257" width="506" border="0"></a></p> <p>Finaly there's a Presentation Pack presenting all the mascots and containing the two MSs and a set of FDCs.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20PP%20CVR%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20PP%20CVR%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="701" width="510" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20PP%20INSIDE%20SNL.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Snow%20leopard/RU20120227%20PP%20INSIDE%20SNL.jpg" alt="" height="365" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>All items are presented in Russian Post's online Philatelic Catalogue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/marka/position/23251.aspx" target="_blank">Miniature Sheet</a> <li>First Day Postmarks for <a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/spec/position/23260.aspx" target="_blank">Moscow</a> and <a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/spec/position/23267.aspx" target="_blank">Sochi</a> <li><a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/konvert1/position/23256.aspx" target="_blank">First Day Cover</a> <li><a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/cardb/position/23160.aspx" target="_blank">Postcard</a> <li><a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/suvenir/position/23258.aspx" target="_blank">Presentation Pack</a> </ul> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="FR20120225_26" name="FR20120225_26"></a><i>25-26 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>6th Philatelic Congress of Rhône-Alpes</b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/FR/FR20120225_26%20PMK%2069008%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/FR/FR20120225_26%20PMK%2069008%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="199" width="203" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Unfortunately this postmark came to our attention too late for ordering.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a id="GG20120222" name="GG20120222"></a><i>22 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Bengal Tiger from Guernsey</b></font><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GG/GG20120222%20ST%203_00%20TIG.JPG"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GG/GG20120222%20ST%203_00%20TIG.JPG" alt="" height="435" width="352" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>Guernsey Post will isue a single-stamp Miniature Sheet showing a Bengal Tiger on 22 February 2012.</p> <p>The MS is denominated GBP 3.00.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GG/GG20120222%20FDC%203_00%20TIG.JPG"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GG/GG20120222%20FDC%203_00%20TIG.JPG" alt="" height="354" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>Alongside the MS, there will be an FDC with a Tiger in the cachet and also a Presentation Pack.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GG/GG20120222%20PP%203_90%20TIG.JPG"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GG/GG20120222%20PP%203_90%20TIG.JPG" alt="" height="373" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>The FDC is sold at GBP 4.20 and the Presentation Pack sells for GBP 3.90.</p> <p>All the products can be bought online from <a href="http://www.guernseystamps.com/index.php/new-issues/guernsey-new-issues/endangered-species-bengal-tiger/miniature-sheet/" target="_blank">Guernsey Post's Philatelic Bureau</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="KR20120222" name="KR20120222"></a><i>22 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>South Korean Cartoon Cats</b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/KR/KR20120222%20MS%202700%20CAT.jpg" target="_self"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/KR/KR20120222%20MS%202700%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="466" width="625" border="0"></a></p> <p>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 <a href="http://www.puccaclub.com/" target="_blank">Pucca</a>. There are several cats in the marginal labels, and also a stamp showing the cat-costumed martial-arts specialist Garu.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/KR/KR20120222%20ST%20270%204%20CAT.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/KR/KR20120222%20ST%20270%204%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="464" width="332" border="0"></a></p> <p>The sheetlet can be ordered from the <a href="http://www.koreastamp.go.kr/sp/eg/speg0101.jsp" target="_blank">Koreastamp online store</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by TS Tan</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="NO20120221" name="NO20120221"></a><i>21 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Norwegian Griffin</b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20ST%20B%20GRIFF.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20ST%20B%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="323" width="461" border="0"></a></p> <p>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 <a href="http://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/venues/the_national_gallery/" target="_blank">National Gallery</a> in Oslo. The stamps are sold in rolls of 100 stamps.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDC%2027_00%20GRIFF.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDC%2027_00%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="488" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Griffin can also be found in the First Day Postmark and in the FDC cachet.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDP%200135%201%20GRIFF.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDP%200135%201%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="387" width="364" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20PP%2033_00%20STAMPS.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20PP%2033_00%20STAMPS.jpg" alt="" height="282" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/NO/NO20120221%20PP%2033_00%20CVR%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/NO/NO20120221%20PP%2033_00%20CVR%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="686" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20PP%2033_00%20INSIDE.jpg" alt="" height="686" width="500" border="0"></p> <p>Finally there's a First Day sheet with an FDC and additional information about the issue.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDS%2047_00%20FRONT%20GRIFF.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDS%2047_00%20FRONT%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="478" width="350" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDS%2047_00%20BACK%20GRIFF.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/NO20120221%20FDS%2047_00%20BACK%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="478" width="350" border="0"></a></p> <p>The products can be ordered from the <a href="https://ordre.posten.no/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=11475&parentSection=11419" target="_blank">Norwegian Philatelic Service's Webshop</a>.</p> <p>The products are presented in English and German in the <a href="../articles/NO20120221%20Frimerkeposten%20eng_tysk.pdf">Philatelic Service's Bulletin # 1-2012</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></b></font></p> <p><a id="RU20120221" name="RU20120221"></a><i>21 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Tiger Mascot for the European Judo Championship 2012</b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/RU/RU20120221%20PC%20B%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/RU/RU20120221%20PC%20B%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="471" width="662" border="0"></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://eurojudo2012.ru/en/node/38" target="_blank">European Judo Championship 2012</a> 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.</p> <p>The Russian Post issued a postcard to promote the event 21 February 2012, showing the championship's Tiger mascot Zhorik.</p> <p>The postcard is denominated B (inland postcard rate - RUB 8.50 on issue) and is presented in the <a href="http://www.rusmarka.ru/en/catalog/marka/position/23251.aspx" target="_blank">Russian Post's online catalogue</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="HR20120221" name="HR20120221"></a><i>21 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Croatian Domestic Cats</b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/DOM/HR/HR20120221%20ST%201_60%201%20DOM.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/DOM/HR/HR20120221%20ST%201_60%201%20DOM.jpg" alt="" height="252" width="250" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/RAG/HR20120221%20ST%201_60%202%20RAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/RAG/HR20120221%20ST%201_60%202%20RAG.jpg" alt="" height="251" width="250" border="0"></a></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/PER/HR20120221%20ST%203_10%201%20PER.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/PER/HR20120221%20ST%203_10%201%20PER.jpg" alt="" height="251" width="250" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/SIA/HR20120221%20ST%203_10%202%20SIA.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/SIA/HR20120221%20ST%203_10%202%20SIA.jpg" alt="" height="252" width="250" border="0"></a></p> <p>The Croatian Post issued a set of 4 stamps on 21 February 2012 called &quot;Children's World - Pets&quot; - 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).</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/HR20120221%20SH%2018_80%20MIX.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/HR20120221%20SH%2018_80%20MIX.jpg" alt="" height="702" width="379" border="0"></a></p> <p>The stamps are sold in sheetlets of two full sets, with cats' paw prints in the marginal labels.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/HR20120221%20FDC%209_60%20MIX.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/MIX/HR20120221%20FDC%209_60%20MIX.jpg" alt="" height="502" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>The FDC cachet reproduces the skyline from the sheetlet margins and shows a stylized cat in the First Day Postmark.</p> <p>The issue is presented at the <a href="http://www.posta.hr/main.aspx?id=193&idmarke=2416" target="_blank">Croatian Post's homepage</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="DE20120209" name="DE20120209"></a><i>9 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>German Lynx</b></font></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/DE/DE20120209%20ST%200_55%201%20ELY.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/DE/DE20120209%20ST%200_55%201%20ELY.jpg" alt="" height="139" width="235" border="0"></a></p> <div align="left"> <p>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).</p> <p>The stamp is published as an ordinary gummed stamp - sold in sheetlets of 10 - on 9 February 2012.</p> </div> <p><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Eurasian%20lynx/DE/DE20120209%20FDP%2010117%20ELY.jpg" alt="" height="176" width="200" border="0"></p> <p>The First Day Postmark from Berlin shows a Lynx' Paw Print.</p> <div align="left"> <p>The stamps can be ordered from <a href="https://philatelie.deutschepost.de/Neuheiten/Briefmarken-Neuausgaben/" target="_blank">Deutsche Post's Online Shop</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky</i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="GB20120206" name="GB20120206"></a><i>6 February 2012: </i></p> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II </b></font></p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120206%20FDP%20EC%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120206%20FDP%20EC%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="193" width="200" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120206%20FDP%20SL4%203%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120206%20FDP%20SL4%203%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="198" width="200" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120206%20FDP%20SW3%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120206%20FDP%20SW3%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="231" width="217" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><i>Reported by Ian Billings (<a href="http://www.norphil.co.uk/" target="_blank">Norvic Philatelics</a>)</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="GB20120202" name="GB20120202"></a><i>2 February 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The House of Windsor First Day Postmarks</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120202%20FDP%20SL4%201%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120202%20FDP%20SL4%201%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="222" width="221" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120202%20PMK%20SW1%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/GB/GB20120202%20PMK%20SW1%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="233" width="205" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><i>Reported by Ian Billings (<a href="http://www.norphil.co.uk/" target="_blank">Norvic Philatelics</a>)</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="JP20120201" name="JP20120201"></a><i>1 February 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Japanese Spring Greetings Cat</font></b></p> <p><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/JP/JP20120201%20MS%20400%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="108" width="300" border="0"></p> <p>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 <a href="mailto:scans@catstamps.org?subject=JP20120201">share</a>). The stamp is designed by children's books illustrator Satoshi Iriyama.</p> <p>If Japanese is your strong suite, the stamps are presented at <a href="http://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/stamp/tokusyu/2011/h240201_t.html" target="_blank">Japan Post's Philatelic website</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="MC20120200" name="MC20120200"></a><i>February 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Monaco Cat Show Slogan Postmark</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/MC/MC20120209_13%20PMK%2098000.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/MC/MC20120209_13%20PMK%2098000.jpg" alt="" height="193" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="PL20120131" name="PL20120131"></a><i>31 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Polish Zoo Postcards</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/PL/PL20120131%20PC%201_55%201%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/PL/PL20120131%20PC%201_55%201%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="436" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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 <a href="http://www.zoo-krakow.pl/index_en.php" target="_blank">Krakow Zoo</a> with a prominent male Lion, and the one for <a href="http://www.zoo.lodz.pl/" target="_blank">Lódz Zoo</a> showing a Cheetah.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Cheetah/PL/PL20120131%20PC%201_55%202%20CHE.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Cheetah/PL/PL20120131%20PC%201_55%202%20CHE.jpg" alt="" height="436" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>The cards are available in the <a href="http://filatelistyka.poczta-polska.pl/850,1,1000001093,25,25,45" target="_blank">Polish Post's Online Shop</a>, but can only be ordered from Poland.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="LV20120127" name="LV20120127"></a><i>27 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Latvian Lion Statues</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/LV/LV20120127%20ST%200_35%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/LV/LV20120127%20ST%200_35%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="368" width="457" border="0"></a></p> <p>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 &quot;The Place Where Stories Are Born&quot; was issued. The stamp depicts the stone lions of Vermanes Garden and the nearby tree-shrouded building of the restaurant Biblioteka No 1 (&quot;Library # 1&quot;).</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/LV/LV20120127%20SH%203_50%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/LV/LV20120127%20SH%203_50%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="459" width="300" border="0"></a></p> <p>The stamp is denominated LVL 0.35 and is sold in sheetlets of 10 stamps.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/LV/LV20120127%20FDC%200_35%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/LV/LV20120127%20FDC%200_35%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="404" width="600" border="0"></a></p> <p>One of the Lions can also be found in the FDC cachet.</p> <p>The stamp and FDC is currently for sale in <a href="http://www.pasts.lv/en/veikals/?shop_menuid=210" target="_blank">Latvias Pasts' e-shop</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Greg Balagian</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="US20120123" name="US20120123"></a><i>23 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">US Year of the Dragon Sheetlet</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/US/US20120123%20SH%2012xFE%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/US/US20120123%20SH%2012xFE%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="370" width="450" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>The sheetlet is for sale at the <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=catBuyStamps&categoryNav=false&navAction=jump&navCount=0&productId=S_576940&categoryId=catBuyStamps" target="_blank">USPS online store</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="FI20120123" name="FI20120123"></a><i>23 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Future City - Helsinki World Design Capital 2012</font></b></p> <p><a href="Pics/FI20120123%20FUTURE%20CITY%20PRES.jpg"><img src="Pics/FI20120123%20FUTURE%20CITY%20PRES.jpg" alt="" height="385" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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).</p> <p><img src="Pics/FI20120123%20FUTURE%20CITY%20DESI.jpg" alt="" height="401" width="417" border="0"></p> <p>The third stamp depicts a 'Man on a Bicycle and a Cat's Head' and is designed by Lahti-based graphic designer Ville Korhonen.</p> <p><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/FI/FI20120123%20BK%206_00%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="345" width="425" border="0"> </p> <p>The boolet can be ordered from the <a href="https://verkkokauppa.posti.fi/PublishedService?pageID=9&itemcode=106297" target="_blank">Finnish Post's online store</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="BE20120114_16" name="BE20120114_16"></a><i>14 - 16 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Belgian Fantasy Creatures and Maya Jaguar</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/MIX/BE20120114%20BK%2010x1%20SPHI_GRI.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/MIX/BE20120114%20BK%2010x1%20SPHI_GRI.jpg" alt="" height="577" width="218" border="0"></a></p> <p>On 16 January 2012 (advance sales 14 January 2012), bpost issues a booklet of 10 self-adhesive stamps showing 10 fantasy creatures.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/BE20120114%20ST%201%207%20GRIFF.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/Griffin/BE20120114%20ST%201%207%20GRIFF.jpg" alt="" height="240" width="284" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Mythic%20cats/The%20Sphinx/BE20120114%20ST%201%209%20SPHINX.jpg"><img src="../scans/Mythic%20cats/The%20Sphinx/BE20120114%20ST%201%209%20SPHINX.jpg" alt="" height="243" width="279" border="0"></a></p> <p>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 </p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20MS%205x1W%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20MS%205x1W%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="592" width="357" border="0"></a></p> <p>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).</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FDC%201W%203700%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FDC%201W%203700%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="351" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120116%20FDP%201000%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120116%20FDP%201000%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="218" width="221" border="0"></a></p> <p>Furthermore, bpost also sold franking labels during the advance salses ceremony with the Jaguar God.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%201%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%201%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="220" width="423" border="0"></a></p> <p>The labels could be bought in the following denominations:</p> <ul> <li type="disc">1 - inland letter rate standard formats up to 50g, EUR 0.65/0.75 on issue <li type="disc">2 - inland letter rate up to 100g, EUR 1.30/1.50 on issue <li type="disc">1 Europe - European letter rate, EUR 0.99/1.09 on issue <li type="disc">1 World - Worldwide letter rate, EUR 1.19/1.29 on issue </ul> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%202%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%202%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="104" width="200" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%201E%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%201E%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="104" width="200" border="0"></a><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%201W%20JAG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Jaguar/BE20120114%20FRA%201W%20JAG.jpg" alt="" height="104" width="200" border="0"></a></p> <p>Both issues are presented at bpost's Philatelic Website - <a href="http://www.bpost.be/site/fr/residential/stamps/philately/stamps/2012/items/03_2012.html" target="_blank">Fantasy Creatures</a> - <a href="http://www.bpost.be/site/fr/residential/stamps/philately/stamps/2012/items/01_2012.html" target="_blank">Maya Calendar</a>. Belgian residents can also order the issues from the <a href="https://www.bpost.be/site/fr/eshopRes/home.html">bpost eShop</a>. The franking labels wer only sold in Tongeren during the advance sales ceremony.</p> <p><i>Reported by Marci Jarvis and Greg Balagian</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="ADFR20120114" name="ADFR20120114"></a><i>14 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Andorra: A Black Cat at the Witches' Boutique</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/ADFR/ADFR20120114%20ST%202_78%20CAT.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/Cartoon_stylized/ADFR/ADFR20120114%20ST%202_78%20CAT.jpg" alt="" height="600" width="396" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.....</p> <p>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.......</p> <p>The &quot;boutique&quot; has now disappeared in an enlargement of the new road, but the legend will now live on in our stamp albums and catalogues.</p> <p>The stamp is denominated EUR 2.78 (registration fee for letters to France and Monaco).</p> <p>The stamp can be ordered from <a href="http://timbres.laposte.fr/af/bv/core/content/content.do?searchRA=true&searchRP=true&returnUrl=/af/laposte/products/viewPdtsByListe.do&return=true&channelId=&contentTypeId=0&contentId=67578&displayChannelDesc=&critAffinPersist=TYPE;270&numPage=3" target="_blank">La Poste's online boutique</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by TS Tan</i></p> <div align="left"> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="KG20120112" name="KG20120112"></a><i>12 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Kyrgyzstan Lunar Zodiac Sheetlet</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/KG/KG20120112%20ST%2025_00%206%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/KG/KG20120112%20ST%2025_00%206%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="135" width="175" border="0"></a> <a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/KG/KG20120112%20IMP%2025_00%206%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/KG/KG20120112%20IMP%2025_00%206%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="135" width="214" border="0"></a></p> <p>Kyrgyzstan issued a sheetlet of 12 stamps dedicated to the signs of the Lunar Zodiac on 12 January 2012. The Tiger is of course presented on one of the stamps. The sheet exists both in perforate and imperforate versions.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/KG/KG20120112%20SH%20300_00%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/KG/KG20120112%20SH%20300_00%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="649" width="814" border="0"></a></p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="PT20120112" name="PT20120112"></a><i>12 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> </div> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">175th Anniversary of the Portugese Military Academy</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/PT/PT20120112%20ST%200_68%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/PT/PT20120112%20ST%200_68%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="198" width="271" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../design/Heraldic/PT_Military_Academy_CoA.jpg"><img src="../design/Heraldic/PT_Military_Academy_CoA.jpg" alt="" height="240" width="190" border="0"></a></p> <p>The CoA can aldo be found in the official FDC cachet.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Heraldics/PT/PT20120112%20FDC%201_00%20HLIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Heraldics/PT/PT20120112%20FDC%201_00%20HLIO.jpg" alt="" height="495" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p><i>Reported by TS Tan</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="MC20120110" name="MC20120110"></a><i>10 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Monaco International Cat Show</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Domestic_cats/RUS/MC20120110%20ST%200_77%20RUS.jpg"><img src="../scans/Domestic_cats/RUS/MC20120110%20ST%200_77%20RUS.jpg" alt="" height="275" width="204" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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</p> <p><i>Reported by Nahum Shereshevsky</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="CX20120110" name="CX20120110"></a><i>10 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Christmas Island Lunar Zodiac Stamps</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20MS%204_80%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20MS%204_80%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="706" width="572" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20BK%2012_95%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20BK%2012_95%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="523" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20GUTT%206_00%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20GUTT%206_00%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="596" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20FDC%202_40%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/CX/CX20120109%20FDC%202_40%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="412" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>Finally, there's an FDC with the low-denominations from the zodiac sheet. The only Tiger here is in the Tiger stamp itself, though.</p> <p>The stamp issue is for sale from <a href="http://shop.auspost.com.au/stamps/stamps-issues/lny-2012" target="_blank">Australia Post Online Shop</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="MA20120109" name="MA20120109"></a><i>9 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Moroccan Lion</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/MA/MA20120109%20ST%208_40%202%20LIO.JPG"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/MA/MA20120109%20ST%208_40%202%20LIO.JPG" alt="" height="293" width="220" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/MA/MA20120109%20MS%2023_80%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="400" width="514" border="0"></p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/MA/MA20120109%20FDC%2023_80%20LIO.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Lion/MA/MA20120109%20FDC%2023_80%20LIO.jpg" alt="" height="400" width="708" border="0"></a></p> <p>The stylized Lion can also be found in the First Day Postmark.</p> <p>The stamps and other products are for sale at the <a href="http://www.poste.ma/" target="_blank">Moroccan Post's Online Shop</a> (Note: use the French version - the English version is not up to date.)</p> <p><i>Reported by TS Tan</i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></font></b></p> <p><a id="GY20120109" name="GY20120109"></a><i>9 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Guyana Lunar New Year Sheetlet</font></b></p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GY/GY20120109%20ST%2050%203%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GY/GY20120109%20ST%2050%203%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="134" width="179" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>The Tiger can be found in the third stamp of the sheet.</p> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GY/GY20120109%20MS%20600%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/GY/GY20120109%20MS%20600%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="507" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="FR20120106" name="FR20120106"></a><i>6 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Year of the Dragon Sheetlet from France</font></b></p> <div align="left"> <p><a href="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/FR/FR20120106%20MS%203_00%20TIG.jpg"><img src="../scans/Wild_cats/Tiger/FR/FR20120106%20MS%203_00%20TIG.jpg" alt="" height="620" width="700" border="0"></a></p> <p>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.</p> <p>The MS can be ordered from <a href="http://timbres.laposte.fr/af/bv/core/content/content.do?channelId=-33624&contentTypeId=0&return=true&contentId=68550&displayChannelDesc=&numPage=2&critAffinPersist=" target="_blank">Laposte's Online Boutiqe</a>.</p> <p><i>Reported by Geir Arveng</i></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="MO20120105" name="MO20120105"></a><i>5 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Macau Year of the Dragon</font></b></p> </div> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <p><a id="ES20120102" name="ES20120102"></a><i>2 Jamuary 2012: </i></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Everyone for Lorca<br> </font></b></p> <p></p> <p><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="32" width="32" border="0"></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><i>For older items, see <a href="Newsarchive%202011_2.html">News Archive July - December 2011</a><br> <img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><a href="Newsarchive%202011_1.html">News Archive January - June 2011</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202010_2.html">News Archive July - December 2010</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202010_1.html">News Archive January - June 2010</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202009.html">News Archive 2009</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive%202008.html">News Archive 2008</a><br> </i><img src="../design/spacer.jpg" alt="" height="12" width="130" border="0"><i><a href="Newsarchive.html">News Archive 2006-2007</a>.</i></p> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <p><!--The next two scripts are to enable Google analytics--> <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? 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