Scott No: -
Serial number: 2012-9
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: May 12, 2012
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Sheng Jiahong, Shang Yin
Size of stamps: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 170 * 140 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On May 12, 2012, China Post issued the commemorative stamp for the "100th Anniversary of International Nurses Day" with catalog number 2012-9. The set consists of one stamp, titled "100th Anniversary of International Nurses Day," with a face value of 1.20 yuan. The stamp was designed by Shen Jiahong and Shang Ying, with Chen Yisi serving as the responsible editor. Materials were provided by Beijing Panoramic Vision Network Technology Co., Ltd. The stamp was printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process, incorporating anti-counterfeiting paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. The stamp was issued on May 12, International Nurses Day itself, commemorating the centenary of the observance and honoring nursing professionals worldwide, while carrying forward the spirit of Florence Nightingale.

International Nurses Day was established in 1912 by the International Council of Nurses to honor Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale pioneered a scientific approach to nursing. During the Crimean War, she led a team of nurses to the battlefield, where she significantly reduced the mortality rate among wounded soldiers by improving sanitary conditions and standardizing nursing procedures. She became known as the "Lady with the Lamp." In 1860, she founded the world's first formal nursing school in London, laying the foundation for modern nursing education. After her death, the International Council of Nurses designated her birthday, May 12, as International Nurses Day, promoting the humanitarian spirit of courage, dedication, and healing. The Florence Nightingale Medal also became the highest international honor in nursing.

The stamp design features a warm and solemn color palette. On the left is a profile of a Chinese nurse wearing a traditional cap, with a gentle expression, representing the millions of nursing professionals working on the front lines in China. The center of the image features the prominent number "100," highlighting the centenary theme. The main visual focus is the Nightingale Medal, with its ribbon adorned with a red cross and an olive wreath, and the medal itself depicting Nightingale holding a lamp, connecting the historical origins of the nursing profession. The top of the stamp bears the inscription "100th Anniversary of International Nurses Day" and the years 1912–2012. The design integrates the international nursing tradition with the image of Chinese nurses, combining historical depth with contemporary relevance.

This stamp is a significant collectible for thematic collections on healthcare and professional figures, vividly conveying the noble mission of the nursing profession.