News
24 September October 2002
Withdrawal of Current Definitive Stamps and Issue of New 2002 Hong Kong Definitive Stamps
The Postmaster General, Mr Luk Ping-chuen, announced today (September 24) the withdrawal of the current set of definitive stamps from general sale at the close of business on Sunday (October 13). This set of definitive stamps, which was issued in 1999, will remain valid for the prepayment of postage.
New Definitive Stamps
A set of new definitive stamps will be issued on Monday (October 14), which is a public holiday. This is the second set of definitive stamps issued since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It comprises 16 denominations as shown below, and the design concept focuses on the harmony of contrast between the east and the west cultures that co-exist in Hong Kong. A newly designed aerogramme bearing the postage of $2.30 will also be issued to replace the pictorial aerogramme currently on sale.
Low Values: 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $1.40, $1.80, $1.90, $2, $2.40, $2.50, $3 and $5
High Values: $10, $13, $20 and $50
Special security features have been incorporated into the new definitive stamps. They include the use of a new type of stamp paper with multiple security fibres and an elliptical perforation in the middle of each vertical of the stamp. For high value stamps, iridescent ink is printed in the middle to give a shiny effect when viewing the stamp at different angles.
Designed by Mr Arde Lam, the stamps are printed in photogravure by Joh. Enschede of the Netherlands while the aerogrammes are printed by PMP PRINT Pty. Ltd. of Australia.
Advance Order and Hand-back Services
Apart from the new definitive mint stamps, which can also be purchased in panes of 50 stamps, the following philatelic products will be introduced on October 14 and put on sale until stock lasts.
| Products | Descriptions | Unit Selling Price | Available for sale at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Souvenir Sheet | Sheet containing a set of 12 low value stamps | $21.8 | All post offices |
| Sheet containing a set of 4 high value stamps | $93 | ||
| All post offices | Pack containing a set of 12 low value stamps | $40 | |
| Pack containing a full set of 16 stamps | $150 | ||
| Prestige Definitive Stamps Booklets | Booklet containing a se-tenant stamp sheet with 12 low value stamps | $21.8 | |
| Serviced First Day Covers(Cancelled with the special postmark) | Cover affixing with a set of 12 low value stamps | $26.3 | The 38 philatelic offices only |
| Cover affixing with a set of 4 high value stamps | $97.5 | ||
| Cover affixing with a full set of 16 stamps | $119.3 | ||
| Definitive Stamp Booklet | Booklet containing 10 pieces of $1.40 stamp | $14 | All post offices from 14 to 21 October 2002; Non-post office sales outlets such as convenient stores from 14 October 2002 onwards |
| Booklet containing 10 pieces of $2.40 stamp | $24 | ||
| Booklet containing 10 pieces of $3 stamp | $30 | ||
| Reel Stamps | Pre-packaged set containing 5 sets of $1.40, $1.80, $2.40 and $3 stamp | $43 | The 38 philatelic offices only |
Advance Order and Hand-back Services
To mark the withdrawal of the 1999 definitive stamps and the introduction of the 2002 new definitive stamps, last day covers and official first day covers at $2 each are now on sale at all post offices. Advance orders for servicing self-provided last day covers or first day covers will be accepted at all post offices from now until September 30. Customers may also place advance orders for special positions of new definitive stamps at the 38 philatelic offices during this period, and collect their orders on October 14 at their chosen post office.
Hand-back service will be provided at all post offices on October 13 and 14 to official and privately-made covers bearing the last day / first day of issue indication respectively and a local address. A special postmark will be introduced on October 13 for last day covers and another special postmark on October 14 for first day covers. The GPO-1 datestamp and pictorial postmarks will also be available for hand-back service at all philatelic offices on both days.
Business Hours
All post offices will open on October 13 and 14 to provide a full range of counter services. The business hours will be from 9 am to 2 pm. The public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will also open from 9 am to 2 pm for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the GPO-1 postmark as well as the special postmark on October 13 and 14.
The enclosed photograph shows the specimen impression of the special postmark to be issued on 14 October 2002 to commemorate the issue of new 2002 Hong Kong Definitive Stamps.
The enclosed photograph shows the specimen impression of the special postmark to be issued on 13 October 2002 to commemorate the last day of sales of current definitive stamps.
The enclosed photograph shows the new 2002 Hong Kong Definitive Stamps to be issued on 14 October 2002.
The enclosed photograph shows the Low Value Souvenir Sheet of new 2002 Hong Kong Definitive Stamps to be issued on 14 October 2002.
The enclosed photograph shows the High Value Souvenir Sheet of new 2002 Hong Kong Definitive Stamps to be issued on 14 October 2002.