Chinese New Year 2026 Stamp and Coin Cover

• Coloured dragon design
• Official Australia Post stamps and postmark
• Auspicious mintage figure

Legendary creature

The Lunar New Year is the most important traditional festival for Chinese communities, symbolising renewal, family unity, and hope for prosperity. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with rituals that honour ancestors, ward off misfortune, and welcome blessings. Families gather for reunion dinners, exchange red envelopes, and decorate homes with auspicious symbols, reinforcing values of harmony and respect.

Central to the celebration is the dragon, a legendary creature embodying strength, wisdom, and good fortune. In Chinese culture, the dragon is not feared but revered as a protector and bringer of rain, essential for agriculture. Dragon dances, performed with vibrant costumes and rhythmic drums, are highlights of the festivities. They are believed to chase away evil spirits and invite abundance for the year ahead. Together, the Lunar New Year and the dragon reflect the deep cultural heritage and collective optimism of the Chinese people.

Chinese dragon design

The coin’s coloured reverse presents an illustration of a blue dragon with red spikes dancing among celestial clouds. As well as a red Chinese scroll with Chinese characters “新年快乐”, meaning 'Happy New Year', the reverse also incorporates The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The obverse bears the Jody Clarke effigy of His Majesty King Charles III and monetary denomination.

Australia Post stamps

The official $1.70 Australia Post stamp features a red and gold-coloured horse decorated with floral motifs and a flame-like mane and tail. A red and gold-coloured horse is also depicted on the $3.40 stamp beside it, decorated with cloud motifs and donning a lantern. The official postmark comprises an illustration of a horse's bust adorned with flames and flowers encircled by the words 'FIRST DAY OF ISSUE 6 JANUARY 2026 CHRISTMAS ISLAND WA 6798'.

Presentation envelope

The coin is housed in an illustrated presentation envelope featuring a blue and white-coloured dragon set against a red and orange landscape of sky, trees, mountains and pagodas. Also featured are the words 'HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026'.