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December 21st 2006. Hawaiian Seashells.
Three stamps in a triptych and a mini-sheet were issued on December 21st 2006 depicting Hawaiian Seashells.
Seashells are numerous in the Hawaiian Islands. But, today they are usually only found in abundance on seldom visited beaches and reefs such as those on the sparsely populated island of Ni'ihau. Native Hawaiians who live there make spectacular shell necklaces from the shells found on the remote beaches and low lying reefs around Ni'ihau where tourists are not allowed to visit without a special permit from the owners of the island.
The $2 stamp in the triptych (above left) prepays extra charges, such as additional weight. It shows the Flea Cone (Conus pulicarius). The varied and colorful patterns are common on this shell of the Conidae family. Found near coral reefs, it uses venom to immobilize its prey, then eats them with its sharp teeth.
The $5 stamp in the triptych (above middle) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows the Episcopal Miter (Mitra mitra). Of the Mitridae family of shells, it is named after a Bishop’s headgear. A nocturnal feeder, it is commonly found buried in the sands of the coastal areas around the Hawaiian Islands.
The $8 stamp in the triptych (above right) prepays the Same Day rate. It shows the Variable Dove Shell (Euplica varians) of the Columbellidae family of shells. It has an unusual design, and the shell is mostly found in the tidal pools and shallow reefs of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau. Hawaiians use Dove shells to create necklaces.
The outer edges of the triptych are perforated (perf 12). The two vertical divisions between the 3 stamps in the triptych are rouletted (roulette 5).
The $8 minisheet (above) prepays the Same Day rate. It shows the same Hawaiian Shells, but in one design with no perforations or roulettes. Two small scallops of the Pectinidae family of shells are shown at the top of the design on either side of the text "Shells of the Hawaiian Islands". This is the same scallop as shown on the postmark.
A Booklet was issued consisting 2 triptych panes. One triptych pane is of this issue and one triptych pane is of the previous Seahorse issue. Each pane consists of 3 stamps and has a margin all around. "© 2006 Hawai'i Post" is printed vertically on the lower right side margin & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. is printed on the bottom margin of each pane. The booklet cover shows
The special postmark for this issue (above) shows a scallop of the Pectinidae family of shells.
WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ON ALL ORDERS
Technical details of the stamps and mini-sheet:
Colors: $2, $5 & $8 stamps and $8 mini-sheet - Multicolored
Size: 102mm x 70mm (mini-sheet)
Stamps sheet size: A triptych of 3 across.
Perforation: Triptych - outer edges, perf 12. The two vertical divisions within the triptych are rouletted 5. Mini-sheet - imperforate.
Mini-sheet and triptych design: Enelani.
Layout & Pre-press: Enelani.
Printer: Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Printing Method: 4-color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) printing process.
Sheet margin markings: HAWAI'I POST (top middle), "Traffic Light" showing 4 colors used in printing (lower left side), © 2006 Hawai'i Post (lower right side) & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. (bottom middle)
Paper: GPA coated white stock with water-activated gum on the back.
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