The handover is a deeply significant ceremony, and takes place on the closing day of the Games, Sunday 24 August. As Royal Mail does not issue stamps on a Sunday (or a bank holiday which is the following day), Royal Mail agreed with China Post and the IOC to issue the UK stamps on the Friday before the handover ceremony.

The four 1st class stamps show landmarks in Beijing and London: the National Stadium, Beijing; the London Eye; the Tower of London; the Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing.

The Chinese Post Office is producing stamps of the same design, which will be issued on 24 August.

Due to the nature of the joint issue, it is very likely that both sets of stamps will be available in both countries. They are sure to be publicised to the visitors of the games in China, and sold at a premium by local outlets. Because the issue will be available in this way, it could become one of the best selling stamp issues for a long time.

Mark Steele.

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