Sunday 30 June 2013

Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps

Category - Sight
Subcategory - Glow in the Dark Stamp Under UV Stamps


Jersey 2013 Superman Stamp with Glow in Dark effect
Issue date - 07 June 2013

The Jersey Post has issued a set of Superman Stamps Set ahead of the release of the latest Superman film, Man of Steel, which stars Henry Cavill who comes from Jersey.


The Stamp set consists of 6 stamps featuring Superman's various super powers and a lenticular miniature sheet. One of the Stamp - 88p, features a hidden message from Superman's father Jor-El which is visible only in the dark (glow in dark invisible ink used). 

Malaysia 2013 Lighthouse in Malaysia Series 2 MS with glow in dark effect






Issue date 30 April 2013


Pos Malaysia issued the second series of stamps “Lighthouses in Malaysia”. The miniature sheet illustrates the One Fathom Bank Lighthouse in Selangor. The lighthouse glows in the dark due to the phosphor coating on the miniature sheet.

Belgium 2013 Glow in the dark Go For Zero-Traffic Safety miniature sheet





Issue date 11 February 2013

Belgian Post issued a miniature sheet featuring Traffic Safety under the banner 'Go for Zero'. Some lines and drawings on stamps and sheet are coated with phosphorescent ink that makes them glow in the dark.

France 2012 Tropical Fishes - Miniature sheet with glow in dark image under UV

Issue date:  30 April 2012


The sheet contains four stamps–an Emperor angelfish 1.00€; a Clownfish 0.60€; a Pennant Coral   fish 0.77€; and a Leafy Sea dragon or Glauert’s Sea dragon 0.60€.  The sheet contains a glowing mermaid that only shows up under UV light above the fin of the smaller shark! (See also - Stamps with Micro Printing - June 2012)    


Thailand 2011 - Five Venerated Monks Medallions  (UV glow in dark image)


Issue date 11 Nov 2011

Benjaphakhi coins series issued by Thailand Post

Luang Po Klan coin, Wat Phraya Tikaram, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, B.E. 2469 (First-hook mold, Copper with plated gold) – Design 1



Luang Pu Eiam coin, Wat Nang Ratchaworawiharn, Bangkok, B.E. 2467. First batch (Enameled gold) – Design 2



Luang Pu Suk coin, Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Chai Nat Province, B.E. 2466 (Copper with plated gold) – Design 3

Luang Po Khong coin, Wat Bang Ka Phom, Samuth Songkhram Province (Satang rim, Copper) – Design 4

Luang Po Chui coin, Wat Khongkharam, Petchaburi Province, B.E. 2465 (Mo mold with filling, Fumed copper) – Design 5

Special Invisible Ink printing technique was used. The ink cannot be seen to the naked eyes, but the cabalistic writing on the back of each coin will become visible under ultraviolet light.

Singapore 2011 – Lunar Year of the Rabbit – Gold foil with UV image

Issue date 07 Jan 2011

At the beginning of the year Singapore Post welcomed 2011 with the release of the Rabbit Zodiac stamp issue.

Adding to the philatelic collection was the special Collector's Sheet - the first-of-its-kind offset printing on hot foiled golden metallic film with matt UV varnish. Under this special effect, one can simultaneously view the Rabbit with the Tiger on the S$5 stamp. The S$10 stamp features the same interesting effect with the Rabbit and the Dragon.

Canada 2010 – International Year of the Forest – Miniature sheet with glow in dark 






Issue on: 22 April 2011

2011 is UN's International Year of the Forest. On 22 April 2011, Canada issued a set with a two-stamp Miniature Sheet having several small white silhouetted animals on the right side. When viewed under black light, the souvenir sheet reveals an exciting surprise—nocturnal forest animals.

New Zealand 2009 Scenic Lighthouses of NZ FDC with photochromic stamps




Issued 07 Jan 2009

New Zealand Post issued a series of five stamps commemorating the 150th anniversary of New Zealand's first lighthouse.

The following lighthouses are featured: Pencarrow Lighthouse, Dog Island Lighthouse, Cape Brett Lighthouse, Cape Egmont Lighthouse, and Cape Reinga Lighthouse.

Each stamp features a technological 'landmark' of its own – lighthouse beams that actually glow in the dark!

To activate the glow-in-the-dark ink, hold the stamps for a short time under a light, or in the sun - the effect can then be seen in the dark.

Iceland 2008 – Imagine Peace Tower Stamp Sheet (UV glow in dark)


 
Issue date 9 October 2008

The Icelandic Postal Company has released a stamp on 9 October 2008 depicting the Imagine Peace Tower, which is dedicated to the memory of Beatle - John Lennon. The stamp is printed in a traditional offset format and then overprinted with phosphorus in silk screen which causes the picture to accumulate light and then glow in the dark. When exposed to ultraviolet light, a picture of John Lennon appears on the stamp. The stamp sheet provides instructions how to make your own peace light.

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER is composed of a tall shimmering tower of light that is lit every year and is visible from October 9th (John’s birthday) until December 8th (the anniversary of his death). The Tower is located in Reykjavik, Iceland.

See also - http://imaginepeacetower.com/stamp

Hongkong 2008 – Jellyfish glow in the dark under UV light



Issue date 12 June 2008

A set of special stamps featuring jellyfish was issued on 12 June, 2008 by Hong Kong Post, printed with a glow-in-the- dark effect. The six stamps are Flower Hat Jelly ($1.40); Octopus Jelly ($1.80); Brown Sea Nettle ($2.40); Moon Jelly ($2.50); Lion's Mane Jelly ($3); and Pacific Sea Nettle ($5).

Malaysia 2008 Nocturnal Animals Miniature sheet with glow in dark stamps




Issue date 24 April 2008

Nocturnal Animals
Animals live in virtually every type of habitat available in the Malaysian rainforest and even exploit man-made habitats. One interesting feature in animal ecology and behaviour is that some animals travel and feed mainly by night (nocturnal) as opposed to animals that move about during the day (diurnal). Various birds, mammals and reptiles have evolved towards a nocturnal way of life for numerous reasons. Due to the reduced amount of light at night, strictly nocturnal animals generally have good night vision to allow them to seek out prey and to avoid predators.

Miniature Sheet

Slow loris (Nycticebus coucang)
Largely arboreal, this primate which can weigh almost a kilogramme, is often found alone although couples with dependent young are sometimes seen. It feeds on small animals, mostly insects and on pulpy fruits. It lives in mature and secondary forests as well as in gardens and plantations.

Tarsier (Tarsius bancanus)

This small primate of less than two kilogrammes is active from ground level to atleast seven metres and generally leaps from tree to tree. It feeds mainly on large insects and is often solitary. Tarsier is known to make high pitch calls frequently and can be found in both mature and secondary forests.

China 2006 – Decorative Lanterns Stamps with Glow in Dark effect


Issue date – 12 Feb 2006

Stamps issued by China Post to celebrate the Lantern Festival with special glow in dark effect.

Hong Kong 2006 Charming Chinese Lanterns – with fluorescent ink


Issue date 12 February 2006

Yuanxiao (Chinese Lantern Festival) falls on 12 February 2006 (Sunday) and Hongkong Post, China Post and Macao Post are each issuing a set of special stamps in celebration. This set of "Charming Chinese Lanterns" stamps is the sixth joint issue by the three postal administrations on a common theme. The three stamps issued by Hongkong Post are the Lotus Fairy Lantern (HK$1.40), the Narcissus Lantern (HK$1.80) and the Peacock Lantern (HK$2.40).

The stamps create a brilliant illusion of a lantern inset by superimposing a lantern silhouette over an illuminated lantern. The character font has an echo of seal script, which lends a touch of classical elegance to the stamps. And to enhance the theme, fluorescent ink is applied to the sides of the stamp, which makes the stamps glow under ultraviolet light. 

Australia 2005 Creatures of the Slime – Embossed miniature sheet with image under UV 




Issue date: 21 April 2005

Special Feature : Using the UV light you can find hidden fossils on the outer area of the miniature sheet.

Australia Postal Service has issue Six new stamps on a mini-sheet that have postage values of 50 cents and $1.00 named "Creatures of the Slime" on the 21st of April 2005. The stamps depict the world's first animals that date back some 560 million years. Known as Ediacaran fossils, they predate dinosaurs by 1 million years and are probably related to worms, jellyfish, and snails. Found in the Ediacaran Hills of the world heritage Flinders Ranges in South Australia. These tiny organisms fossils have only been found in three other places in the world. Each of the animals is describe as follows:
Tribrachidium (50c) - may have lived on the sea floor.
Dickinsonia (50c) - a "germ eater" having a very elegant form.
Spriggina (50c) - a cross between a segmented annelid worm and an arthropod.
Kimberella (50c) - probably a soft-shelled mollusc.
Inaria (50c) - may be one of the oldest fossils of an animal showing the entire body.
Charnodiscus ($1.00) - a feather-like organism.

France 2001 Halloween Photochromic Stamp




Issue date 20 Oct 2001

La Poste issued a sheet of 5 stamps on the occasion of Halloween. On a mauve background is shown a carved face shape pumpkin. Also four other objects surrounding the Halloween festival are depicted on the sheet (Bat, Potion bottle, Skull and Witch on a Broom).

The carved face shape pumpkin along with the Halloween word also glows in dark under UV light.

Australia 1997 – Night Creatures Glow in the dark MS




Issue date : 01 Oct 1997

In October 1997 Australia Post issued a set of Creatures of the Night. The miniature sheet incorporated an extra design overprinted in phosphor, only visible in the dark. It was a spider and web.

The miniature sheet also featured 45c Barking Owl, 45c Yellow-Bellied Glider, 45c Dingo , 45c Spotted-Tail Quail, 45c Platypus, and 45c Brown Antechinus.


Australia 1995 The World Down Under Glow in the dark MS under UV





Issue date 03 Oct 1995


Australia Post issued a miniature sheet The World Down Under featuring 45c Ratback Turtle, 45c Flame Angelfish, 45c Maori Wasse, 45c Giant Trevally, 45c Black Marlin and 45c Mako and Tiger Sharks. The miniature sheet glows under UV light.

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.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Stamps with Scratch Off Printing

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps with Scratch off coatings

What is Scratch Off Printing? How Does it Work?

It's hot stamping reloaded. Scratch off printing adds a standard or custom-shaped layer of metallic foil to your prints in specific areas, covering particular pieces of content - like coupon codes, sequential numbers, bar codes or names - to be revealed by 'scratching' the material with the edge of a coin, or a similar surface.

South Africa 2010 South African Quiz Miniature Sheet with Scratch Off Stamps


Issue date 05 November 2010

South African Post issued a miniature sheet in 2010 with scratch off stamps on which Quiz questions about South Africa was printed with scratch off answers.

Great Britain 2005 – Centenary of the Magic Circle - 'Heads or Tails' Scratch off Stamp.
 

Issue date: 15 March 2005

On a summer's day in 1905, twenty three amateur and professional magicians gathered together at London's Pinoli's Restaurant with the intention of forming a magic club. The result was the founding of The Magic Circle.  The Magic Circle today, is a premier magical society in the fascinating world of magic and illusion.

Royal Mail celebrated the Centenary of the Magic Circle with a set of 5 novelty stamps. Each stamp sought to bring a very simple magic trick to life. Among the five stamps issued was a 1st Class stamp depicting a coin with a blank center that can be scratched away to reveal either the head or tails to simulate the 'Heads or Tails' in the tossing of a coin.

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.

Tuesday 25 June 2013

Stamps with Thermochromic Ink Printing

Category - Touch
Subcategory - Stamps with Thermochromic Ink Printing

These stamps have areas treated with a special thermochromic ink - that changes color or reveals hidden words or images, in response to changes in temperature .

Belgium 2013 - 100 years of Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium sheetlet – Thermochromic ink


Issue date 24 June 2013

The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (IRM) is celebrating its hundredth anniversary on July 31. On this occasion, the Institute has partnered with Belgian post to present the first Belgian and even world novelty: four thermosensitive stamps depicting the four seasons of the year.

The series consists of five stamps: a stamp depicting the building of the IRM and four heat-sensitive stamps, each representing a tree whose leaf forms the map of Belgium. The foliage is green but when the temperature exceeds 25°, for example if one puts a finger on the stamp, the green layer disappears showing the tree in one of the four seasons (sun, rain, snow, clouds).

Jersey 2013 Superman Stamp with Thermochromic printing





Issue date - 07 June 2013

The Jersey Post has issued a set of Superman Stamps Set ahead of the release of the latest Superman film, Man of Steel, which stars Henry Cavill who comes from Jersey.


The Stamp set consists of 6 stamps featuring Superman's various super powers and a lenticular miniature sheet. One of the Stamp - 68p, a Heat Sensitive stamp is printed with monochromic ink, which when warmed reveals the earth behind Superman.

Liechtenstein 2011 Renewable Energy - Solar, Wind, Photovoltaics Thermochromic stamps set

Issue date 14 March 2011

The Liechtenstein Post launches the second part of its “Renewable Energy” series.

This series of stamps started in 2010 features such energy sources, which are self-renewing and thus sustainably available resources.
“Photovoltaics” (face value CHF 1.00) is one of the few possible means of obtaining electricity from renewable energy. It works by converting solar energy directly into electricity by means of solar cells, which are predominantly made from silicon. Appropriately therefore this stamp also depicts a solar power module. 

“Solar energy” (face value CHF 1.10) can however also be used to produce heat. This is done by means of the solar panels illustrated on the stamp, which are generally mounted on house roofs. 

The significance in Liechtenstein of “Wind power” (face value CHF 2.90) is still low, despite the sometimes strong winds. In Liechtenstein’s few wind turbines rotation of the rotors is converted into electrical energy and fed into the general electricity grid.


A heat-sensitive ink has also been used in this stamp series designed by Vito Noto. The body heat of a finger pressed on the black thermal ink causes a colored pictogram to appear which represents the energy which can be regenerated.


Australia 2009 – Micromonsters (Thermochromic stamp)



Issue date 28 July 2009

In July 2009, Australia issued a special set of 6 stamps featuring insects Weevil, Hatchet Wasp, Ant, Praying Mantis, Ground Beetle and Jumping Spider.

This issue reveals a wonderful microscopic world most of us never have a chance to see. Familiar everyday insects, magnified many times, are shown in a new light.

In an Australian first, the minisheet stamps incorporate thermoprinting technology. Simply apply friction (e.g. rub quickly with your thumb) to a special area on each stamp on the minisheet to reveal information on the degree of magnification of each small creature - Weevil (20X), Hatchet Wasp (10X), Ant (8X), Praying Mantis (8X), Ground Beetle (8X) and Jumping Spider (9X) with the magnified Butterfly wing (5000X) on the minisheet.

Iceland 2009 – Preserve the Polar Regions Thermochromic Stamp


Issue date 29 January 2009

In January 2009, Iceland issued a miniature sheet as part of the joint stamp series 'Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers'.
The stamps are printed with thermochromic ink. This sheet shows the current position of the amount of ice in the Polar Regions under normal temperature. When the stamp is heated, the ice melts away and shows the position of the amount of ice in the Polar Regions in the year 2100.

Cold state of the stamp shows the amount of ice and snow in the North-Pole in the year of 2009.

Hot state of the stamp shows the estimated amount of ice and snow in the North-Pole in the year of 2100.

New Zealand 2007  - Classic  Kiwi Cultural Expressions Thermochromic Stamp Sheet

Issue date 04 July 2007

This stamp issue highlighted some marvellous examples of New Zealand’s unique cultural expressions. Featuring 20 sayings – from ‘bit of a dag’ to ‘hard yakka’ and ‘hissy fit’ – it shows just how imaginative and enterprising phrases that are ingeniously fit for purpose. From the onomatopoeic to the absurdly hilarious, they reflect the Kiwi attitude – laid-back, can do, good as gold.

By holding your finger on the black portion of a stamp and, through the magic of heat-sensitive ink, the 'English translations' will be revealed. 

20 Kiwi slangs featured on the stamps 
Bit of a dag - Colourful Character; comedian; joker
Dreaded lurgy - Cold or Flu
Rark up - Give someone a piece of your mind
Knackered - So tired you're barely able to stand
Laughing gear - mouth
Cods wollop - lie; exaggeration; complete falsehood
Boots and all - give something everything
Shark and taties - fish and chips
Good as gold - well done; or thats fine
Sweet as - Ok; no problem
She'll be right - things will work themselves out
Hissy fit - lose your temper so bad you lose the plot
Sparrow fart - so early even the birds are asleep
Cuz - like one of the family-might be might not
Away laughing - on a roll; happening
Tiki tour - show you around; or take your time
Away with the fairies - someone who is more than a little vague
Hard yakka - hard slog; tough work; all sweat and muscle
Every man and his dog - absolutely everyone you could think of
Wop Wops - the back of beyond

Great Britain 2005 – Centenary of the Magic Circle 




Issue date: 15 March 2005

On a summer's day in 1905, twenty three amateur and professional magicians gathered together at London's Pinoli's Restaurant with the intention of forming a magic club. The result was the founding of The Magic Circle.  The Magic Circle today, is a premier magical society in the fascinating world of magic and illusion.

Royal Mail celebrated the Centenary of the Magic Circle with a set of 5 novelty stamps. Each stamp sought to bring a very simple magic trick to life. Among the five stamps issued was two stamps 

- a 47p stamp depicting a 'Knotted scarf trick'. Thermochromic ink on the spotted scarf will reveal a different scarf when warmed. 

- a GBP 1.12 stamp depicting a 'Three-cup trick'. A variation on the three-cup trick using a pyramid under one of 3 fezzes. Thermochromic ink reveals which fez the pyramid is under.

Great Britain 2001 – Centenary of Noble Prize Thermochromic 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 second-class stamp issue, which celebrates the Chemistry Prize, and depicts a Carbon 60 molecule (left stamp above). The stamp is heat sensitive, and firm pressure from a fingertip reveals an ion hidden behind the black on white design (right stamp above).

Pictured is a molecule of Carbon 60. British chemist Sir Harold Kroto was a co-discoverer of this molecule and won the Nobel Prize in 1996. C60 is a polygon with 32 faces, 12 of which are pentagons and 20 of which are hexagons - the same geometry as a soccer ball (called a football in Britain). The dark color of the pentagon is made up of thermochromic ink which turns transparent when warmed with the touch of a finger.

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.