In co-operation with the Crown Agents Stamp Bureau, the Island of Jersey has already announced two very important firsts for 2000.

On January 1, Jersey Post will probably be the first European Postal Administration to issue a stamp which includes 22 carat gold, hot metallic stamping and embossing techniques in its design. The special definitive stamp in a £ 10 denomination features the crest of Jersey - the three leopards - originally the armorial bearings of Richard I which were incorporated into the Royal Seal of Approval.

This is a distinctive and attractive stamp whose printing techniques have been developed over 25 years by Cartor Security Printing of France. The precision of the embossing, hot metallic stamping and gold tooling bring the highest and finest levels to Cartor's gold foil products. The &163 10 stamp will also be the first to display Jersey's special Millennium 2000 logo.

The stamps will be available in sheets of 10 or as singles, official First Day Covers, and presentation packs.

Many countries will issue dragon stamps for the Chinese New Year of the Dragon which commences February 5, 2000, but it looks like Jersey is among the first to confirm all the particulars in its striking stamp for this commemoration.

Dragons mentioned are numerous in Chinese mythology, including Spirit Dragons to bring rain, Earth Dragons to control springs and water, Treasure Dragons to guard treasure, and Dragon Kings, who are supposed to rule the four seas that encircle the earth.

The Jersey dragon stamp is not designed in typical Chinese style, but it is typical of their Chinese Zodiac series. Children born in the Year of the Dragon have a broad range of positive characteristics, including luck, ambition, strength, energy, self-confidence, intelligence, and determination. On the negative side, Dragons are impatient and critical.

The Year of the Dragon will produce many worldwide stamps, so it is not too early to make plans to get a full set of what will be a memorable collection for the first year of the Millennium. th ways to get international recognition other than in the "Today in History" column. STAMP DAY should be an annual event. Let's get at it. Michael O. Nowlan was born in Chatham, New Brunswick Canada. He grew up on a nearby farm, was educated, and became a teacher. In retirement, he follows his life-long avocation of writing. His credits include 16 books (four books of poems, two children's titles, and anthologies for schools). In recent years, he has written extensively about stamp collecting for Canadian Stamp News, Gibbons International Stamp News, and other philatelic publications.

Michael O. Nowlan was born in Chatham, New Brunswick Canada. He grew up on a nearby farm, was educated, and became a teacher. In retirement, he follows his life-long avocation of writing. His credits include 16 books (four books of poems, two children's titles, and anthologies for schools). In recent years, he has written extensively about stamp collecting for CANADIAN STAMP NEWS, GIBBONS INTERNATIONAL STAMP NEWS, and other philatelic publications.