John Calvin
South Africa, Durban · 1964-07-10
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 10 July 1964 in Durban. It marks the 400th anniversary of the death of John Calvin, the French theologian whose teachings shaped the Reformed Christian tradition that would go on to have deep roots in South Africa's own Dutch Reformed Church. It's worth noting this cover was issued during a period when South African stamps carried both "Republiek van Suid-Afrika" and "Republic of South Africa" in a bicoloured design, a format the country would move away from in later decades.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a monochrome portrait engraving of John Calvin, wearing a soft flat cap and heavy fur trimmed robe typical of 16th century clerical dress, his long beard and steady gaze rendered in fine crosshatched detail. The image is signed "Calvyn" in the lower corner, matching the same portrait used on the stamp itself. Above the portrait the words "10 July 1964 First Day of Issue / 10 Julie 1964 Eerste Dag Uitgawe" appear in plain black text, with "400th Anniversary" and "John Calvin (1564-1964) — Theologian" printed below.
Information Card
No info card supplied for this cover.
Theme: Heritage
Condition: AverageNoticeable wear or light damage, such as creases, minor soiling, small tears, or light discolouration, but still collectable.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.02 (ZAR)
Estimated value: ~US$0.1
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 248 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
