A set of special stamps entitled The Beauty of Mathematics was issued on March 14. It consists of four stamps, whose designs showcase Pi, Pythagorean theorem, Euler’s formula and Mobius strip.

The design language of the stamps is modern and dazzlingly fresh. The first stamp Pi showcases the widely recognized mathematical constant prevailing in geometry, physics, and numerous other disciplines. The stamp features the essential definition of π, illustrating the classical cyclotomic method in ancient China through ultra-fine lines, and displays the 996 decimal places of Pi in microprinting, while highlighting the first seven decimal places in orange color in honor of Zu Chongzhi, the renowned ancient Chinese mathematician of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-581) period. The second stamp Pythagorean theorem, also called Gougu theorem, depicts one of the geometric achievements in ancient China, which displays the fundamental relationship among the lengths of the three sides of a right triangle: The sum of the squares on the legs of a right angle is equal to the square on the hypotenuse. Euler’s formula on the third stamp is hailed as one of the most beautiful mathematical equations. The stamp graphically presents how Euler’s formula integrates the five important constants (e, i, π, 1, and 0). In microprinting, these five constants are combined with advanced anti-counterfeiting technology to create the design of Euler’s eyes on the stamp. The fourth stamp shows Mobius strip, a fascinating topological figure with only one surface and one edge. Partial hot stamping technology is applied to give the stamp rich color variations, which help present the multidimensional properties of Mobius strip. Under ultraviolet light, the ant’s trail interacts visually with the Galaxy pattern below, symbolizing the gradual extension from a microscopic realm to the vast macroscopic domains.

Daylight fluorescent ink is used for the first time in printing this set of stamps to enable different fluorescent effects under daylight and ultraviolet light. The multidimensional perspective of the designs echoes the multidimensionality of mathematics. And the ultra-fine line printing redefines the precision threshold in stamp printing, reflecting the rigorous nature of mathematics through high-precision printing technology. The key-shaped irregular perforations are inspired by the dictum “Mathematics is the door and key to the sciences”, implying unlocking the mystery of science with mathematics.

The set of stamps is designed by Xia Jingqiu, edited by Liu Jian, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing House Company Limited with offset technology (partial hot stamping technology for designs 4-2 and 4-4). The denomination of the whole set is 4.70 yuan, and 6.25 million sets as well as 800,000 miniature sheets (layout 2) are planned to be circulated.