China Pavilion pure silver commemorative stamps

The pure silver commemorative stamp for the China Pavilion

Authorized by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination and the China Post Group, the Shanghai Philatelic Corporation has officially issued a set of pure silver commemorative stamps for the China Pavilion.

The stamps are made from .999 pure silver, and four different weights are available: 88 grams, 188 grams, 388 grams, and 688 grams. The number produced for each weight is restricted to 20,000, 10,000, 6,000 and 2,010, respectively.

On the face of the stamp is the pattern of the China Pavilion and the reverse side has a lily design and the Chinese traditional bat-shaped pattern representing open-mindedness, a harmonious Expo and benefiting China. The Expo theme "Better City, Better Life" is also printed on the reverse side in both Chinese and English. In addition, the stamp carries an anti-counterfeiting label specifically made for the Expo's licensed products.

Shanghai Chang Yu Investment Company, a licensed retailer of Expo souvenirs, is the chief distributor of the stamps and customers can buy the stamps in the company's branches, Shanghai Old Temple Gold Company's branches, designated Bank of Communications outlets and Shanghai post offices and other licensed stores.