3D - Holographic Stamps

Category - Sight
Subcategory - 3D Hologram

Holography Stamp

Holography is a technique that allows the light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed. Under certain viewing conditions, an image (hologram) is obtained which is fully three-dimensional in all directions so that a movement of the head presents another aspect of the object. Its benefits, for example, are brand protection and document security. In holographic stamp foils the holograms are transferred to the substrate under the effect of heat and pressure. Foil stamping or hot stamping (as it is called when heat is applied) requires a metal plate with an engraved image. The plate strikes a foil film, transferring the foil coating from the roll film onto the substrate that is to be imprinted. The substrate then receives the high-density metallic finish, resulting in a reflective image with a bright and dense metallic appearance.

Malaysia 2013 Exotic Pets - Year of snake MS with hologram

Issue date 5 February 2013

Pos Malaysia released MS stamp issue entitled Exotic Pets on 5 February 2013 with denomination RM3 and RM5 each.

Traditionally, domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, birds and fishes are kept as pets. Exotic pets are generally deemed as anything other than the typical domesticated animals. In line with the changing times, more people are interested to keep exotic pets which come in a variety of shapes and size such as snakes, spiders, Sugar Glider, pygmy hedgehog and green iguana that have now become very common pets.

The most obvious advantage of having an exotic pet is that they are unique and unusual. Exotic pets are also very interesting and able to entertain and interact to give a different sense of satisfaction. Nevertheless, keeping an exotic animal as a pet requires some special needs - such as special housing, live foods for some animals and special medical care. In many countries including Malaysia, keeping exotic pets require special licenses or permits from the relevant authorities.

The Miniature Sheets are available in RM 3.00 and RM 5.00 denominations, 73mm x 100mm in size and containing the stamp, at 30mm x 50mm in size featuring the Royal Python, in conjunction with the year of the Snake for this year’s Chinese New Year. The Miniature Sheet in RM 5.00 denomination is printed with special transparent foil printed technique.

China 2012 Sanxingdui Bronze Ware Sculpture hologram MS

Issue date 26 September 2012

Located in the city of Guanghan in northern Chengdu Plain, Sichuan Province, Sanxingdui is the ruins of a prehistoric culture dating back 4,800-2,600 years. It is considered the origin of the Yangtze River Civilization and an outstanding manifestation of the zenith of Chinese bronze civilization.

Myriad artifacts have been excavated from Sanxingdui, most of which are bronze. In sharp contrast to the bronze ware discovered in the Central Plains, Sanxingdui bronze features distinctive local characteristics and a strong flavor of wizard culture, clearly exemplified by an astonishing group of standing human statues and masks. These cultural relics are evidence of the political and religious power of the Shu, reflecting the spiritual values and social characteristics of the ancient kingdom ruled by religious authority. This discovery is unparalleled in the world’s history of archaeology. 


The life-size standing figure unearthed from Sanxingdui’s No.2 sacrificial pit, measuring 262 centimeters with its pedestal, is larger than any other contemporaneous bronze figure found so far in the world. Dressed in a dragon robe, the enigmatic character stands on a high base in an awe-inspiring manner. Some archaeologists have asserted the figure’s identity as a combination of god, wizard, and king, or the most authoritative leader, symbolizing the highest religious and political authority.

South Africa 2010 30 years of the Pan African Postal Union: Bridging the digital divide MS with Tangram Design/ Hologram on sheet

Issue date 7 January 2010

South African Post to celebrate 30 years of the Pan African Postal Union has issued a miniature sheet ‘Bridging the digital divide to highlight how the postal service technology has helped in daily tasks. This miniature sheet was issued to raise awareness of the power of technology in the African daily life.


The stamps issued have various forms (square, triangle, rectangle and trapezoidal shape) and can used as a Tangram logic puzzle. It also features hologram foil on the ms in panes 5, 1(square part), 2(circle part) and pane 7 (behind 2 children).

Thailand 2010 Personal greetings Stamps on a holographic foil

Issue date 28 Jan 2010


For the occasion of Valentines Day, Thai Post issued a set of 6 stamps on personal greetings on holographic foil giving a 3D glitter effect to the stamps. The words featured are Hello, Happy Birthday, Thank you, Love, Missing you and Congratulations in Thai Language.

สวัสดี Sawasdee = Hello

สุขศานต์ วันเกิด Sook Saan Wan Geert = Happy Birthday

ขอบคุณ Khaawp Khoon = Thank you

รัก นะ Rak Na= Love

คิดถึง Khit Theung = Missing you

ยินดีด้วย  Yin Dee Duay = Congratulations

Singapore 2010 – Festivals – Holographic foil printing on the stamp

Issued on: 20 October 2010

This issue of Festivals depicts 4 of these major festivals, namely: Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. The Special Collector’s Sheet features all the 8 stamp designs, which is printed with special foiling technique.

Chinese New Year

Most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, the Chinese New Year usher in the new lunar year. The mood of celebrations will continue for 15 days, with the exuberant Chingay Procession rounding up as the close of the festive season.

Hari Raya Puasa

An important religious day of the year for Muslims in Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and alms-giving.

Deepavali

Deepavali, also known as “Festival of Lights”, is much celebrated worldwide and for Hindus and Sikhs in Singapore. On this day, Hindus traditionally light rows of oil lamps to thank the Gods and to usher in all that’s good.

Christmas

Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated throughout the Christian population as well as many non Christians as a secular, cultural festival. Modern customs of the holiday eventually evolved, with gift-giving and Church celebrations.

Singapore 2010 Year of the Tiger

Issue date 08 January 2010

Singapore Post will issue her Year of Tiger stamps and collector sheet on 8 January 2010. The collector sheet should contain holograms showing transitions of the zodiac signs from previous year Ox to Year of Tiger, and Year of Tiger to the following year Rabbit.

Indonesia 2009 – Year of Astronomy Galileo Hologram Miniature sheet

Issue date 02 May 2009

The United Nations officially declared the International Year of Astronomy 2009 non December 20, 2007. Initiated by International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO, this resolution was aimed at commemorating the 400th years of telescope usage in the field of astronomy pioneered by Galileo Galilei.

The stamp design depict the image of Galileo Galilei, Galilean telescope as well as the official event logo. As a background, the sheet shows Omega Centauri galaxy portrayed by Denny mandey using telscope of Observatorium-Boscha ITB Lembang.

Singapore 2009 Year of the Ox

Issue date 09 Jan 2009

According to Chinese astrology, the Ox being the second of the 12 animals sign, those born in the year of the OX are often said to be leaders, fearing neither responsibility nor risk.

The Stamps feature Offset Lithography with high reflective index transparent Hologram with morphing effect. With this special effect, one can get a glimpse of next year’s zodiac animal, the Tiger, and the outgoing one, the Rat, on the stamps.

Thailand 2008 - 125 Anniversary of Thai Postal Service with Hologram Stamp

Issue date 1 August 2008


Thai Postal Service was started on 14 August 1883 celebrated the 125th Anniversary in 2008. To commemorate this occasion Thai Post issued a miniature sheet with 5 stamps where one of the Stamp of 25 Baht is a holographic stamp.

Singapore 2008 – Year of the Rat 3D Hologram Image

Issue date 18 Jan 2008

The highly intelligent, charming and enterprising Rat is starting a new cycle on the Chinese zodiac calendar as well as SingPost’s second Zodiac Stamp Series.

Featuring a first-in-the-world unique printing technique on stamps – offset lithography with high reflective index transparent hologram with morphing effect.  With this special effect, one can get a glimpse of next year’s zodiac animal, the Ox, and the outgoing one, the Boar, on the stamps.

Thailand 2007 King 80th Birth Anniversary Holographic MS

Issue date 05 December 2007


On the 80th Birth Anniversary of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand Post issued a miniature sheet on the various photographs through the life of the King. The center photograph has a holographic stamp of the King in a Buddhist traditional robe.

Australia 2007 - Blast Off! 50 Years in Space on holographic foil 

Issue date 02 October 2007

The 2007 year marks the 50th anniversary of mankind's exploration of space. On 4 October 1957 the first man-made satellite orbited Earth and so began the "space race" for the USSR and the USA. Australia has played a supportive role in international space exploration and even added to the list of astronauts.

Australia's Involvement - Although a small nation, Australia played an important technical role in early space exploration and continues to give that support today. Almost all of the television images covering the 1969 Apollo II mission came through the Honeysuckle Creek and Tidbinbilla tracking stations with assistance from the Parkes radio telescope. Andy Thomas - the First Australian born professional astronaut to enter space.

Hongkong 2007 - 10th Anniversary Hongkong SAR Symphony of Lights Hologram MS

Issue Date: 01 July 2007

"A Symphony of Lights" hologram stamp sheetlet with a set of commemorative stamps on "The 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" will be issued on 1 July 2007.  The stamp sheetlet presents "A Symphony of Lights" in a hologram to produce a flickering effect. The exciting display that lights up the sky over Victoria Harbour was named the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records in 2005. The 1997 transforms to 2007.

Malaysia  2006 - Ikan Air Tawar Fresh water fish

Issue Date: 25th May 2006

A Souvenir sheet of Ikan Air Tawar Fresh water fish with a fantastic hologram of Baung fish.

Baung (Mystus nemurus) -   Baung can be found at zones to the upstream of rivers and rice fields. They do not have much preference for clear of muddy water and is a threat to lobsters (udang galah) that lives in ponds. Its color is in formalin dusky white with serrated spine. It eats a variety of food including shrimps, insects, crabs and fish larvae. The distribution of this fish also covers Java, Sumatra, Singapore, Borneo and Thailand

Ikan Keli (Clarias Batrachus) -  Easily found all over Malaysia especially rice fields, swamps around the rice fields, riverbanks, drains, and old mines. They are bottom dwellers but very frequently come to the surface of the water to draw in fresh air. The skin is smooth, brownish green on the upper part of the body and lighter below. The body is elongated, compressed at the back with its head moderately flattened.

Jersey 2005 Hans Christian Andersen "The Ugly Duckling" featuring a fairy hologram

Issue date 02 April 2005

Bi-centenary of Birth of Hans Christian Andersen commemorative miniature sheet depicting "The Ugly Duckling" featuring a Swan, duck, cygnet and ducklings, and also a holographic fairy.

Great Britain 2001 – Centenary of Noble Prize - Hologram stamp

Issue date: 02 October 2001

Royal Mail used several innovative printing methods for a set of stamps issued in October 2001 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Institute and the first Nobel Prizes. It also celebrates the six categories of Nobel Prizes.


Among the six stamps issued was a 65p stamp honouring the Physics category of Nobel prizes. The stamp features carries a boron molecule hologram. Dennis Gabor won the Nobel Prize in 1971 for holography.

Belarus 2001 - 10th Anniversary of Belarus Hologram Stamp

Issued on: 03 July 2001

Multicolored Stamp with Hologram showing the State arm on the background of Republic of Belarus flag.  Issued on the 10^th Anniversary of Belarus.

Hongkong 2000 To celebrate the 21st century hologram miniature sheet

Issue date 31 Dec 2000

To celebrate the advent of the 21st century, a prestige hologram stamp sheetlet containing two holograms will be issued. This stamp sheetlet depicts the transformation of Hong Kong from the 20th century to 21st century. There will be three-dimensional layers; fireworks flashing and airport runway lighting special effects on stamp sheetlet.

USA 2000 The Escaping the Gravity of Earth hologram stamps

Issue date: 09 July 2000

The two hologram stamps in the set issued  on 9 July 2000, adjacent to each other on one souvenir sheet with denominations of $3.20 each. Titled "ESCAPING THE GRAVITY OF EARTH," the vertically oriented souvenir sheet shows in its selvage astronauts David Leestma and Kathryn Sullivan in space, working in the open cargo bay outside the shuttle Challenger during mission STS 41-G in October 1984. A view of Earth fills the upper half of the scene.

The design on the stamp at left represents a space shuttle docking with the orbiting international space station. It is based on a computer-generated NASA image. The stamp at right shows a closer view of two astronauts at work outside the space station, from a NASA artist's conception. The $3.20 denomination pays the domestic Priority Mail rate for items up to two pounds.


The hologram stamp set was released as part of a 15 stamps set honoring the achievements of the U.S. space program.

USA 2000 Space Achievement and Exploration Hologram Round stamp 

Issue date 09 July 2000

The $11.75 stamp featuring the first holographic US postage stamp, which also marks the first round issue by the United States Postal Service, which depicts a view of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 astronauts.

The hologram was released as part of a 15 stamps set honoring the achievements of the U.S. space program, as well as "the infinite possibilities of future space endeavors” in 2000.

Canada 1999 – Millennium Keepsake – 3D Stereo-gram image

Issue date 12 October 1999

Canada Post developed a special keepsake stamp to commemorate the coming of the new millennium  with the first holographic stereo-gram stamp. A stereo-gram is a three-dimensional hologram produced by recording many individual frames of a sequence of images. Because it incorporates dozens of layers of images, it offers the viewer a far more fluid and realistic viewing than a traditional hologram.

The stereo-gram stamp represents the past with an intaglio steel engraving, the present with lithography, and the future with holography. A dove, the symbol of peace, love, and hope, was chosen as the image for the stamp.

Australia 1999 Small Pond Miniature sheet with Dragonfly hologram

The creatures living in and around the Small Pond, the theme for this miniature sheet , are intricately linked – be they prey or predators. While the ‘small pond’ illustrated in the Stamp Collecting Month miniature sheet is situated in the Kimberley with its specific frogs and creatures, the scene is representative of ponds across Australia.

Frogs feature dramatically in this Small Pond environment. They can be predators in this small habitat – feasting on the bees, wasps, beetles, bugs, dragonflies and other small, moving prey drawn to the pond – or the prey of other creatures. Birds and snakes are a frog’s worst enemies, and dragonflies are also a threat to survival – eating frogspawn and tadpoles.

The stamps in the Small Pond issue feature the following creatures:45c Magnificent Tree Frog (Litoria splendida),  45c Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus), 50c Javelin Frog (Litoria microbelos), 50c Northern Dwarf Tree Frog (Litoria bicolor), 45c Roth’s Tree Frog(Litoria rothii),  and 45c Dragonfly (Rhyothemis graphiptera).

The creatures featured in the miniature sheet also feature a Cream-spotted Ichneumon (Echthromorpha intricatoria), Green Tree Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), a red Dragonfly (Diplacodes haematodes), a caterpillar and a stick insect. A fig tree, waterlilies, pandanus and grasses complete the scene.

Foil has been added to the dragonfly’s wings to give them a shimmering, translucent look. This special foil on the dragonfly wings only appears in the miniature sheet, and not on the regular stamps.

Malaysia  1999  -  Petronas Twin  Tower Hologram  Miniature  Sheet

Issue date: 30 August 1999

Miniature sheet to commemorate the completion of Petronas Twin Towers with a hologram stamp.

Kyrgyzstan 1999 WWF Fox Hologram Stamps

Issue date 27 April 1999

WWF - Fauna of Kyrgyzstan miniature sheet featuring Corsac Foxes - Fox (stamp with the hologram), sleeping fox (stamp with the hologram), fox on walk (stamp with the hologram), fox with the kids (stamp with the hologram)

Guyana 1998 Princess Diana - 1st Death Anniversary Hologram Stamp

Issue date 11 May 1998

Guyana 1998 Princess Diana - 1st Death Anniversary Hologram Stamp.

Mongolia 1993 Zeppelin Balloon Hologram Sheetlet

Issued on 27 August 1993


Mongolia Post issued a sheetlet containing 4 hologram stamps of the Zeppelin Blimp Air Ship. 

Isle of Man 1994  Queen Elizabeth II hologram stamp

Issue date 05 July 1994

The Isle of Man Post Office celebrated 21 years of independence on Tynwald day 05 July 1994 by issuing a special commemorative £5 (Hologram) "Queen Elizabeth II" stamp.

In the background the Royal Cipher interchanged with the three Legs of Man are featured as holograms. This is the first time a stamp featuring a hologram was issued by a postal administration within the British Isles.

Poland 1991 Butterfly Hologram MS Issued for Phila Nippon 91 Stamp Exhibition

Issued on 16 Nov 1991

15000z Stamp depicts Philanippon exhibition logo and Hologram depicts Aporia Crataegi butterfly. This miniature sheet was issued for the Phila Nippon 91 Stamp Exhibition, Tokyo.

Austria 1988 World’s First Hologram Stamp - Made In Austria - Export Fair 

On 18th October 1988 Austria issued the world’s first hologram stamp. The occasion was an export fair and the hologram showed a logo with the words AUSTRIA and MADE IN AUSTRIA.

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures.