Detailed Description

This item is a block of 4 imperforated no die cut stamps as shown the in the picture.  The stamps are never detached from the original backer.  The stamps on the other side of the backer are removed carefully.

The U.S. Postal Service® celebrates one of the most beloved stories of the Nativity with an evocative and elegant new stamp, Christmas Magi.

The stamp art illustrates the traditional tale of the Magi, who came bearing gifts for Jesus. The three regal figures sit atop a trio of bedecked and harnessed camels, the animals almost at the summit of a small hill. Guiding them is a large, dazzling star shining in the sky. The colors in the sky range from a rose near the horizon, darkening to a rich purple at the top, suggesting that the travelers are moving through the desert at dawn. The figures are silhouetted against the background, with the details of their headdresses and the camels’ saddles just visible in the brightening light. The star, located in the upper left-hand corner of the picture, is a brilliant white.

The story of the Magi appears in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2. There is little detail about the Magi in the Gospel. Matthew called them "Magi," a term for Persian priests, astrologers, or scholars. The Gospel never refers to a specific number; the number three was likely influenced by the number of gifts left for the child-gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the earliest traditions are inconsistent with regard to how many Magi there were. The Eastern tradition favored twelve Magi, while in the West, several early Church fathers accepted the number three.

Over the centuries other details have been added to the story, including the names of the Magi: Gaspar, or Casper; Melchior; and Balthasar. One early reference to their names comes in a seventh century work attributed to St. Bede. He gave the Magi the attributes of men at different stages of life, elderly, young, and middle-aged: Melchior, an old man with white hair and a long beard; Caspar, young and beardless with a ruddy complexion; and Balthasar, with black skin and a heavy beard. Later traditions added the notion that the three came from Europe, Asia, and Africa, thus completing their symbolism as representatives of the world as it was known to Europeans at the time.

Represented in art and music since the earliest centuries of the church, the Magi are a much-loved part of the Christmas tradition. The story is retold many times each season in hymns and in Christmas pageants and performances.

Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp; Nancy Stahl was the artist.

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 eBay 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 eBay System can apply the combined shipping discount properly.

Otherwise, eBay / 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.

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.