A brand new year marks the production of brand new set of stamps. Given that it is the Year of the Rat, Singapore Post (SingPost) will feature the rat on its new stamp set. The purchase of the stamps will be available on 8 January
The Rat Stamp Set shows two graphically illustrated rats with two denominations: first local at S$0.30 and S$1.40. There is also a postcard design of both stamps, which will be sold at S$3.00.
In addition, the Pre-cancelled First Day Cover, which is S$3.10, will be included with the Rat Stamp Set and cancelled with the postmark of the rat. There is also a self-adhesive booklet with 10 first local stamps that is priced at S$3.00. Moreover, The presentation pack with the Rat Stamp Set is priced at S$4.15.
First Day Cover (Photo: SingPost)
Besides, a special pack, which contains two postcards, one sheet of first local stamps, and one sheet of S$1.40 stamps, is sold at S$18.50. Each sheet has 10 units of stamps.
Special Pack (Photo: SingPost)
The collectors’ sheet, which is sold at S$18.80, will contain eight red packets and a commemorative stamp that is worth S$10. The design of the stamp is inspired by the Chinese art of paper cutting.
Collectors’ Sheet (Photo: SingPost)
All the designs in this collection other than the collectors’ sheet, is created by Lim An-ling, an animator and illustrator, who also did the design for Singapore Bicentennial stamp sets in 2019. The collectors’ sheet is designed by Andy Koh, a graphic designer whose stamp collection won the top prize in the graphic designer category at Singapore Creator Awards in 2019.
The duration of SingPost’s new Chinese Zodiac series will last for the next 12 years. Each zodiac will adopt similar designs. The remaining Chinese Zodiac stamps will be issued in the following years.
From 8 January onwards, select self-service automated machines (SAM) kiosks placed at the general post office will sell postage labels with the Chinese New Year design.
The Post offices, the Philatelic Store, and the SingPost website will sell the Year of the Rat stamps and SingPost’s alternative Chinese New Year merchandises.
Furthermore, the goods can be purchased at River Hongbao 2020 Festival, which will be held from 23 January to 1 February.
Festive Postage Rates
As the festive season is nearing, the postage rates of mailing greeting cards within Singapore and abroad will be lowered. The festive postage rates will be exclusive for stamped and postmarked greeting cards posted between 4 and 25 January.
The festive postage rates for non-standard size greeting cards mailed locally is S$0.30 (maximum weight of 20g) and S$0.37 (maximum weight of 40g). The normal postage rate is S$0.60.
For those who mail greeting cards internationally will have to pay either S$0.70 or S$0.80. The weigh and location of the receiver will determine the price.
