USPS Lunar New Year 12 Stamp Ingots Silver 24 kt Gol (03/25/2011)...

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USPS Lunar New Year 12 Stamp Ingots Silver 24 kt Gold

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USPS Lunar New Year 12 Stamp Ingots Silver 24 kt Gold

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Sold Date: 03/25/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Stamps

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You are bidding on a very rare USPS Collectible Stamp Ingots in a presentation box:

2005 United States Postal Service The Lunar New Year Collection

Limited edition of 8800 sets in United States. This is Set number 1738.

12(Tweleve) Stamp Ingots in Pure Silver(.999) and layers with 24-karat gold

Each Stamp Ingot is 1.5 inches x 1 inch x 2.40mm tall

Presentation case is 11.5 inches x 7.75 in x 2 inches tall

Please note: The Stamp Ingots are in perfect proof condition. The outside of the presentation box has a few minor chips and scratches & is missing a key.

More about this collection: The Lunar New Year Collection is Authorized by the United States Postal Service as a Tribute to the Contribution made by Chinese Americans, and in Honor of Asian Culture and Traditions.

"The 12 beautifully engraved ingots represent the fulfillment of a commitment that began in 1988, when the Organization of Chinese-Americans proposed the idea of a postage stamp that would commemorate the important contribution of the Chinese people in America. Three years later, with support from members of Congress, nation-wide community groups, and Postmaster General Anthony Frank, the dream began to take form. In 1992, renowned graphic designer Clarence Lee was selected to design one stamp depicting the Chinese lunar symbol for 1993, the "Year of the Rooster," to honor Chinese Americans. The overwhelming demand for the stamp made it one of the most successful issues in the history of the United States Postal Service. It struck a chord not only with Chinese and other Asian Americans, but also with the country as a whole and the world beyond. The result was the creation of a series of 12 stamps, one for each of the animals in the Chinese lunar cycle. Since 1993 one new stamp has been issued every Chinese New Year, taking 12 years to complete the series, and ending with the "Year of the Monkey" unveiled to the public for the first time on January 13th. At the culmination of this important program all 12 celebrated stamp designs have been re-created as engraved solid silver ingots, layered with 24-karat gold, thus preserving them forever in a magnificent collection that is destined to be handed down from one generation to the next as a treasured and visible symbol of an ancient culture and continuing tradition." - The United States Postal Service.

The Chinese Lunar Cycle: 12 Years for 12 Animal Symbols As most people know, the Chinese lunar cycle is not based on 12 linear months, as in the Western or Gregorian calendar, but on a 12 year repeating cycle. Each astrological animal symbol represents not a month, but a year. And again, unlike the Western calendar tha is based upon the movements of the sun, the Chinese astrological calendar has its deep and ancient roots in the movement of the moon.

There are many myths and legends about how the 12 animals representing the 12 years in a lunar cycle came into being. One of the most popular is that the Lord Budda called all the animals to come to him before departing this earth. Only 12 animals came, and as a reward he named a lunar year after each according to the order in which it arrived. The Rat was the first to get there, crossing the final river on the back of the Ox and jumping down in front. Following them were the Tiger, Rabbit (Hare), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Ram), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (Boar).

Yin and Yang, the cosmic forces that are believed to balance the universe and all human nature, are also important elements in the lunar calendar, with each of the 12 animals symbolizing either Yin or Yang.

This Item Comes in AS-IS condition - Please see the pictures provided in the item description.

This item is gently used.

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