V2301

Chinese New Year

Year of the Boar

Collins Cover Annoucement

THE YEAR OF THE BOAR

Happy New Year Stamp

The new stamp features a boar -- one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. The greeting "Happy New Year" appears in the upper right-hand corner, and at the bottom left "Year of the Boar" is written in Chinese characters. Making it an unusual item is the fact that it was a 29-cent stamp issued on December 30th when the first class postal rate rose from that amount to 32 cents on January first. As such, it was the shortest duration ever for a new first-class stamp to be valid for first-class postage -- two days! It must be noted that it was scheduled before the rate change was official and also so that it could be available for use during the Chinese New Year celebration in January.

My hand-painted cachet shows a large boar. The cover is made dramatic as it is color-coordinated to the burgundy stamp background. This effect can only be achieved to such a degree by hand painting. A brightly colored Oriental temple is also included as an important part of the cachet. In fact, the light-toned boar, the vivid Chinese building, and the burgundy background combine for an unusual and eye-catching design.

The distinctive text style is the same that I used for my "Year of the Rooster" (Item B2101 - $10.75) and my "Year of the Dog" (Item Q2201 - $10.75) covers. Both are still in supply but their numbers are dropping so, if you need them, pick them up

now.

The latest COLLINS for the yearly Chinese Animal Zodiac Series -- an interesting set. The Year of the Boar. Item #V2301. $10.75.