Mr. Tse from Shau Kei Wan sorts through his father's collection: Distinguishing between the 1980 Gengshen Monkey "Red Gold Edition" and "Gold Edition"

"Why are the colors of this monkey stamp different from those online?" — This is a question we get from a few customers every year. Most of the time, it's just a difference in lighting and oxidation; but occasionally, we genuinely encounter a variety known in the trade as the "Red-Gold Monkey."

Mr. Tse, 42, living in Shau Kei Wan, teaches art in secondary school. His father passed away last year, leaving behind a house full of calligraphy works and several stamp albums. Mr. Tse spent a few months organizing them and found several T46 Gengshen Monkey stamps in one of the albums. Being an art teacher, he is particularly sensitive to colors and noticed that one of the stamps had a distinctly deeper red hue than the others.

"I've researched a lot online. Some people say the Red-Gold Monkey is due to printing batch variations, while others say it doesn't exist at all. Can you help me confirm?" Mr. Tse came to us with four Gengshen Monkey stamps.

Red-Gold Version vs. Standard Gold Version: Physical Comparison

The four stamps were laid side by side on a white table and observed under D65 standard daylight lamps:

Standard Gold Version ×3: The monkey's base color is golden yellow, the hair has sparkling gold powder, and the overall tone is warm yellow.

Suspected Red-Gold Version ×1: The monkey's base color is dark reddish-brown, the gold powder on the hair is lighter, and the black outline is more prominent.

Further examination of the printing dots with a magnifying glass revealed:

  • Ink Thickness: The red ink layer of the Red-Gold version is noticeably thicker than the standard version.
  • Gold Powder Distribution: The gold powder coverage on the Red-Gold version is slightly smaller, leaving more of the red base layer exposed.
  • Perforation Quality: Consistent across all four, no abnormalities.
  • Gum: All four have original gum in good condition.

Conclusion: The fourth stamp is indeed a "Red-Gold version," a small batch printing color variation of the T46 Gengshen Monkey stamp.

2026 Buyback Price Difference

  • Standard Gold Version single (superb, original gum): HK$12,000-15,000
  • Red-Gold Version single (superb, original gum): HK$18,000-25,000
  • Premium: Approximately 50-70%

The total quoted price for the four stamps was HK$56,000 (3 standard versions at HK$38,000 + 1 Red-Gold version at HK$18,000). After confirming the transaction, Mr. Tse remarked, "My sensitivity to colors as an art person finally found its purpose."

Do you have old stamps at home that you'd like to get valued? WhatsApp 98342057, Gujin Jianbao accepts mixed appraisals of stamps and coins.

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Common FAQs

What are the fundamental differences between the Red Golden Monkey and the regular Golden Monkey?

The two are different printing batches of the 1980 Year of the Monkey (T46) stamp: the regular Golden Monkey has standard golden-yellow (orange-yellow) fur, accounting for 95% of the total issue; the Red Golden Monkey has reddish (scarlet, brick red) fur, accounting for 5% of the total issue. Reason: During the final batch of printing in late January 1980, the proportion of red pigment at the Beijing Stamp Factory slightly increased, resulting in a reddish effect. The formula was later adjusted, and subsequent batches no longer had the red variation. Therefore, the Red Golden Monkey is a printing variation from a specific period, not an intentional design.

How to identify a Red Golden Monkey?

Four methods: First, compare with a color card (standard Golden Monkey #FFA500 orange-yellow, Red Golden Monkey #B22222 brick red or #DC143C scarlet); Second, observe the monkey's fur with a magnifying glass (standard Golden Monkey fur lines are golden yellow + light golden background, Red Golden Monkey fur lines are red + dark red-golden background); Third, observe under natural light (the red tendency of the Red Golden Monkey is more obvious); Fourth, confirmation by PMG or PCGS grading (for collectibles with a market price of HK$10,000+, submission for grading is recommended). Note: Do not confuse it with Golden Monkeys that have discolored due to improper storage.

What is the market price difference between the Red Golden Monkey and the Golden Monkey?

The difference is approximately 50-90%. Single UNC: Golden Monkey HK$10,000-18,000, Red Golden Monkey HK$15,000-28,000 (+50-60%); Block of four UNC: Golden Monkey HK$50,000-80,000, Red Golden Monkey HK$80,000-150,000 (+60-90%); Full sheet of 80 UNC: Golden Monkey HK$1,200,000+, Red Golden Monkey HK$2,000,000+ (+65%+). The higher the PMG grading score, the more significant the premium for the Red Golden Monkey (PMG 67+ Red Golden Monkeys can reach HK$65,000-90,000+).

Could my 1980 Year of the Monkey stamp be a Red Golden Monkey?

It's possible. Red Golden Monkeys account for about 5% of the total 1980 issue (there might be 1 out of every 20 sheets). They are mainly distributed in post offices in northern regions (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, etc.). If your 1980 Year of the Monkey stamp is a family heirloom from a northern region, the probability of it being a Red Golden Monkey is higher. Recommendation: Use the identification methods in this article for preliminary judgment → absolutely do not clean or directly touch it → take clear, high-resolution photos and send them to WhatsApp 98342057. Gujin Jianda offers free appraisal + PMG grading proxy services.

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Recycling process

  • 1) Clients should first provide basic information about their collections via WhatsApp (852) 98342057. You can also contact us directly via this link.

  • 2) We will provide a preliminary quote after receiving the image information.

  • 3) Both parties agree on a time and place (on-site inspection is available) to inspect the collection. We will provide a precise quote based on the actual condition of the collection.

  • 4) Confirm the sale and make payment in various forms such as bank transfer or cash.
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