Singapore '95 International Philatelic Exhibition
South Africa, Singapore · 1995-09-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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A vibrant 1995 exhibition cover from Singapore '95, the International Philatelic Exhibition, featuring a South African miniature sheet and a striking carved mask cachet. This cover is postmarked at the Singapore '95 International Philatelic Exhibition, held from 1 to 10 September 1995. It carries a South African miniature sheet issued for the exhibition, featuring Singapore's Merlion symbol alongside a lion crest. The cachet's mask motifs draw on a shared visual language of carved ceremonial masks found across different world cultures, tying the South African issue thematically to the international character of the exhibition.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet features a row of stylised carved masks in warm ochre, red and green tones, evoking traditional mask making traditions from different cultures. Geometric border patterns in gold and green run above the masks, giving the design a woven textile quality. The official Singapore World Stamp Exhibition logo, a lion crest inside a laurel wreath, appears in the top left corner. The stamp itself is a miniature sheet showing a golden lion beside the red Merlion statue, Singapore's national symbol, set against a dark green background patterned with small carved mask motifs echoing the cachet artwork. The exhibition cancel, shaped around South Africa's outline, marks the RSA stand at the Singapore exhibition. This cover was produced specifically for the international exhibition circuit rather than for general domestic circulation, a common practice for national postal administrations attending major philatelic events.
Information Card
No info card was produced for this cover. Only the cover itself is available.
Theme: Science & Technology
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SAPO serial number: 6.21
Estimated value: ~US$0.93
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 209 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.
