Date of Issue : 8 Jan 2020
Postmark : Singapore
Denomination : 1st Local and S$1.40
Stamp Size : 37.5 mm x 26 mm
Paper : Unwatermarked
Printing Process : Offset Lithography
There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese zodiac, which is based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat; the first of such in the 21st century. The previous Year of the Metal Rat was in 1960 which falls in the 20th century. Those born in the Year of the Metal Rat are persuasive, irritable, sensitive with strong self-awareness and like to be the centre of attention. This stamp issue by Singapore Post begins another cycle of zodiac stamp series, featuring the creative, amiable and cheerful Rat ushering in the new Lunar Year 2020.
For the zodiac series, due to the continuity of the design across the 12 years, it's worth to also include the presentation pack in my collection.
