Lunar New Year 2018 celebrates the Year of the Dog. The courageous, loyal and friendly Dog is the 11th sign in the 12-year recurring Chinese Zodiac cycle. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Dog begins on 16 February 2018 and ends on 4 February 2019.
The stamps in the Year of the Dog 2018 stamp issue, which will be released on 8 January 2018, feature the Chinese calligraphic symbol for the Dog in the $3 stamp. The $1 stamp features a pictorial version of the Dog, using paper-cut motifs, a popular yet traditional Chinese art form. The minisheet depicts an ancient Chinese legend of how the faithful dog risked his life to rescue some rice seeds from the Stingy God’s fields, ensuring a supply of rice for the people.
Year of the Dog prestige book
The zodiac sheetlet is a continuing feature of the Lunar New Year issue. In this issue, the zodiac stamps feature graphic illustrations of each animal with its “precious flower”, which is said to bring harmony and good fortune to those who fall under each corresponding animal sign. The prestige book features stamps from the zodiac sheetlet, as well as information on each flower and its meaning.
Personalised stamps for the New Year!
The Year of the Dog 2018 $1 stamp design will be available as part of our Personalised Stamps™ service, from 5 February 2018. That means you can upload your own photo and it will be printed in the tab alongside the stamp. Both the stamp and the photo tab are then attached to your envelope, for a festive Lunar New Year touch.
Simply go to the Personalised Stamps website, select the design, upload your photo, fill in your details and complete the checkout process. Once your photo is approved, we will print and send you your personalised stamp sheetlets and send them out to you in around 10 business days (postage is free).
Note: Terms and conditions apply to the use of the Personalised Stamps service.
Silk minisheet collection
A special Lunar New Year silk minisheet collection, limited to 5,000, will be released with this year’s stamp issue. It features a traditional offset-printed, gummed and perforated stamp minisheet. It also includes two special offset-printed minisheets – one gummed, perforated and printed on real silk; the other is self-adhesive, printed on a silk-like paper. All three minisheets feature gold foil embellishments. This attractive collection is not only a wonderful keepsake, but also a very special New Year gift.
Year of the Dog gold minisheet
This special 999.9 pure gold Year of the Dog 2018 minisheet is limited to just 250 and is part of our Impressions range. Featuring colour over-printing, it comes in an attractive clear perspex presentation mount. This spectacular collectable makes a beautiful gift or memento, especially for those born in the Year of the Dog.
Postal numismatic covers
There are two postal numismatic covers with this stamp issue, one with a dog-themed coin from Perth Mint, and another, which is limited to 8,888 and features a dragon design. This limited edition cover contains an attractive Perth Mint uncirculated coin that presents a Chinese dragon formed into an endless knot pattern. The endless knot is an important Buddhist symbol and represents harmony. The dragon has long been a symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture. A dragon dance, along with a lion dance, is traditionally performed during New Year celebrations.
Our Impressions catalogue also features some spectacular coins that celebrate the Year of the Dog 2018. There are eight coins to choose from, including a spectacular 1kg 99.99% silver coin from the Royal Australian Mint (maximum mintage of 500), as well as a 1oz silver four-coin set featuring proof, gilded, bullion and coloured finishes.
The Christmas Island Lunar New Year: Year of the Dog 2018 stamp issue is available from 8 January 2018, online, at participating Post Offices and via mail order on 1800 331 794 (+61 3 9887 0033 from overseas), while stocks last.
The Impressions catalogue range of products are out now, while stocks last.
View the gallery and technical details for this issue
This article was produced at the time of publication and will not be updated.
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