US 5057 Lunar New Year Monkey forever sheet (12 stamps) MNH 2016

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

5057

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Mint (NH)

Stamp Format

Full Sheet

Item Description

Detailed Description
It is a stock image only. If you want to see the picture of the actual stamp, please check with me before you bid or place the order.

In 2016 the u.S. Postal service® will ring in the year of the monkey by issuing the ninth of 12 stamps in the _celebrating lunar new year_ series. The _year of the monkey_ begins on february 8, 2016, and ends on january 27, 2017.

The monkey is one of the 12 zodiac animal signs associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. According to an old legend, the animals raced across a river to determine their order in the cycle. The rat crossed by riding on the back of the ox, jumping ahead at the last minute to win the race. Next came the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, and ram, followed by the monkey in ninth place.

People born in the year of a particular animal sign are said to share characteristics with that animal. Individuals born during the Year of the Monkey are said to be clever, wise, and honest. With their keen intellect and sociability, they can easily adapt to new situations.

As the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities around the world, the Lunar New Year is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian heritage. Images associated with some of these widespread customs are depicted in the _CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR_ series.

In the United States and elsewhere, the occasion is marked in various ways across many cultures; parades featuring enormous and vibrantly painted papier-mâché dragons, parties, and other special events are common. Vendors at outdoor markets sell flowers, toys, food, and other items for celebration. Musicians play drums, often decorated with peonies like those depicted in the stamp art, to celebrate this time of renewed hope for the future, with drumsticks sometimes painted red for luck. Many families present red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children and loved ones. People eat foods that bring good luck, such as kumquats and rice cakes, and hang festive lanterns as decoration.

The U.S. Postal Service introduced its _CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR_ series in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The series will continue through 2019 with stamps for the Year of the Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

Abbreviations
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DCP - Digital Color Postmark
FDC - First Day CoverHORZ - horizontal
IMPERF - imperforated
MNH - Mint Never Hinged
NDC - No Die Cut
NMS - Non Machineable Surcharge
PNC - Plate Number Coil
VERT - vertical
WAG - water activated gum

MULTIPLE VARIATIONs

If you see a or sign in the picture, this means there are multiple variations available for this item. The item consists of only one of the variations as shown in the picture, not all variations. I will send out any one based on availability. If you want to specify any particular variation, please check with me before you bid the item or place the order.

Pre-Order Item
For any pre-order item, I will always ship it out together with everything on the same invoice once it is available. If you want other items arrive earlier, please let me know and I will split the invoice before you pay.

Large/Special Order
If you have any special order (large quantities, special stamps), please check with me directly. I have not posted everything due to the limited Hip store space.

Shipping & Handling Time
Most of the items (except Pre-order items and FDC) will be sent out WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAY after you pay the invoice. Please review the positive feedback from the buyers. The actual delivery time varies due to the destination.

Shipping & Handling Fee
I am trying to offer the lowest shipping fee if possible. The item will be sent out via USPS standard mail (or first class mail) with no tracking number. I will take a picture of the package as proof of delivery. The shipping fee is listed as below -

* First item (USA) - BETWEEN USD $1.17 AND USD $2.29, DEPENDS ON THE SIZE
* First Item (International) - BETWEEN USD $1.83 AND USD $5.84, DEPENDS ON THE DESTINATION
* Each eligible additional item (USA / International) - USD $0.10 (see combined shipping discount), independent of size and destination

Combined Shipping Discount
The combined shipping discount can be applied only on the items showing up in the same invoice. Each eligible additional item will be charged an additional of USD $0.10 as the shipping fee. If you have any question, please check with me before you pay. I will always get back to you within 12 hours.

Important tips to save shipping fee -

> If you are purchasing multiple stamps through "Buy it now" option, please make sure all the items are in the basket before any payment. Please review the invoice carefully to ensure all the items are listed there so that Hip System can apply the combined shipping discount properly.
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> otherwise, Hip / paypal will charge the full shipping fee for each item and they withhold the transaction fee & commission based on full shipping payment. There is no easy way to refund the difference unless we cancel all the transactions one by one.
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> if you have any question, please check with me before any payment.

Package Loss Responsibilities
In order to provide the lowest shipping fee, I am sending all items by USPS standard mail without tracking number. I cannot hold responsible if the packet is lost due to postage. If you need extra shipping protection, please consider the following options and let me know before you pay -

* Shipping Tracking Number - an extra of USD $1.00 PER INVOICE
* Registered mail with signature - between USD $10.00 and USD $15.00, please check with me before you pay.

Us Stamps Plate Number
The actual plate number of the US Stamps may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate number shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.

Us Stamp Sheets Plate Position
The actual plate position of the US Stamp Sheets may vary unless it is specified in the Item description / title. If you need the exact plate position shown in the picture, please check with me before you place the order.

Seller Information

Seller

msfong (28541)

Registered Since

04/25/2013

Feedback

99.9%

Store

Fongan

• Sales

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

Money Back - Returns Accepted within 30 Days (Buyer pays Shipping Cost)