Stamp CollectingNew Issues

Goldfish come from China, arising from a mutation of crucian carp. Raising goldfish is considered good luck because a common expression for wealth— “gold and jade fill the hall”—sounds like “goldfish fill the hall.” Both are “jin yu man tang” in Mandarin, with the only difference being a change in tone from “jade” to “fish.” To introduce the beauty of goldfish, Chunghwa Post has specially planned a release of a set of four stamps. Their designs are described below:

1.             Red Swallow-tail (NT$6): In Japan and the west, this fish is known as the “comet,” but in Taiwan it is known as the “red swallow-tail.” With a single long and flowing caudal fin, it has a shape resembling the tail of a swallow—hence its name.

2.             Ryukin (NT$6): Its Chinese characters are a homonym for “keeping gold,” suggesting a sense of holding on to wealth and abundance. This fish has a pronounced hump on its back, an egg-shaped body, a small triangular head, a large dorsal fin and two caudal fins. It is highly adaptive and easy to care for.

3.             Dragon Eye (NT$12): The “dragon eye” or “telescope” goldfish has protruding round eyeballs—its most salient feature—which resemble dragon’s eyes. It has a dorsal fin and typically three or four caudal fins.

4.             Goose Head Pearl Scale (NT$28): The “goose head” or “crown” pearl scale goldfish has large and bright scales, having a pearl-like appearance. It swims gracefully through the water with a smoothly curving body, and it has a prominent head growth, known as a “hood,” that makes it resemble a goose—hence its name. Commonly seen varieties have both one and two hoods.

(1) First Day Cover (162 mm × 114 mm): NT$2 apiece
(2) Folder (with or without mount): NT$5 apiece
(3) Loose-leaf album page: NT$8 apiece
(4) Pre-cancelled FDC affixed with one NT$6-denominated stamp: NT$8 apiece
(5) Pre-cancelled FDC affixed with a complete set of stamps: NT$54 apiece

　　To purchase the relative philatelic products, please go directly to the post office branches, Postal Museum or order on line at https://stamp.post.gov.tw.