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Signs of the Zodiac: Gemini, the twins

Signs of the Zodiac

Stamp Info

Name Value
Date of Issue May 20, 2011
Year 2011
Quantity 4,255,000
Denomination
PERMANENTâ„¢ (P).
Current monetary value: $0.92.
Perforation or Dimension Simulated perforation
Series Signs of the Zodiac
Series Time Span 2011 - 2013
Printer Lowe-Martin
Postal Administration Canada

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Stamp Price Values

Condition Name Avg Value
M-NH-VF
Mint - Never Hinged - Very Fine Only available to paid users
U-VF
Used - Very Fine Only available to paid users
* Notes about these prices:
  • They are not based on catalogue values but on current dealer and auction listings. The reason for this is that catalogues tend to over-value stamps.
  • They are average prices. The actual value of your stamp may be slightly above or below the listed value, depending on the overall condition of your stamp. Use these prices as a guide to determine the approximate value of your stamps.

Stamp Supplies on Amazon

Layouts

Booklet of 10 stamps

Quantity Produced - 400,000
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $5.90
Perforation: Simulated perforation
Dimension: 32 mm x 32 mm (square)
Printing Process: Lithography in 7 colours
Gum Type: Pressure sensitive
Tagging: General, 4 sides
Paper: Tullis Russell
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Pane of 12 stamps

Quantity Produced - 50,000
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $7.56
Perforation: 13+
Dimension: 128 mm x 128 mm
Printing Process: Lithography in 7 colours
Gum Type: P.V.A.
Paper: Tullis Russell
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Souvenir sheet of 4 stamps

Quantity Produced - 205,000
Current Purchase Price: Only available to paid users
Original Purchase Price: $2.36
Perforation: 13+
Dimension: 128 mm x 128 mm (square)
Gum Type: P.V.A.
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Gutter Product (set of 2)

Quantity Produced - 4,500
Original Purchase Price: $14.16
Perforation: Simulated perforation
Gum Type: Pressure sensitive
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OFDC

Quantity Produced - 14,000
Original Purchase Price: $1.59
Cancellation Location: Twin Butte, Alberta
Perforation: Simulated perforation
Dimension: 32 mm x 32 mm (square)
Printing Process: Lithography in 7 colours
Gum Type: Pressure sensitive
Tagging: General, 4 sides
Paper: Tullis Russell
Add to List

About Stamp

In the months of April, May and June, Canada Post will launch three more Signs of the Zodiac stamp issues, each one on the day in which each particular constellation takes its place of prominence in the zodiac calendar.

Signs of the Zodiac: Gemini, the twins
Named for the stars Castor and Polydeuces (also known as Pollux--and the two stars together are known as the Dioscuri), Gemini means twins in Latin. The third astrological sign in the Zodiac, Gemini is considered an air sign, and is closely associated with the planet Mercury. The sun is in Gemini from approximately May 21 to June 20. However, some astrologists claim that the end of the constellation’s rule is at the very moment the Solstice begins on June 21.

The very symbol of duality and complexity, the twins of Gemini are ruled by Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth. Like children, those born under this air sign tend to either be very, very good or charmingly bad.

Lively, happy and ever-youthful, the “evil” twin traits of this dualistic sign are egocentricity and restlessness, and a limitless need for attention. Geminis love new challenges, but lose interest quickly. Disdainful of routine, they yearn for constant change and continuous stimulation. Decisions are difficult to make and hard to stick with, a condition compounded by the lack of conscientiousness and the high degree of self-interest often demonstrated by those born under this sign.

In these three stamp issues, Paprika Design of Montreal continues the multi faceted design themes they first revealed in the Signs of the Zodiac: Aries issue, which became available this past March. According to Paprika Design’s Creative Director and Associate Louis Gagnon, “as more stamps in the series are released, the layering of the various thematic elements becomes more and more apparent. For example, when we add the OFDCs of these stamps to the one issued in March for the Aries stamp—we see the wheel of the zodiac begin to emerge. One gets a stronger understanding of the totality of the design.”

Getting creative with the cancel locations

With a dozen stamps in this series—and a highly integrated overall design with a strong thematic influence—Stamp Program Manager Elia Anoia and Stamp Services Writer/Researcher Joy Parks wanted to ensure that the cancel locations would add yet another layer of “theme,” one that was sufficiently broad that it could be adapted to the entire series. By combing list after list of the country’s post offices, the two assembled a dozen locations that provided one more element of wit to the issue.

Signs of the Zodiac: Gemini
Twin Butte, Alberta, calls to mind the twin stars (and moods!) of Gemini

Creators

Design/Illustration: Paprika.

Similar Stamps

Reference

Canada's Stamp Details (Vol. XX No 2; April to June 2011)

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