The Big Five
South Africa, Skukuza · 1996-05-08
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 8 May 1996 at Skukuza, SAPO reference PT 6.31. It's part of the Big Five series painted by Denis Murphy, and this cover carries the full set of five Airmail postcard rate stamps showing white rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, leopard and African elephant. Skukuza is the main rest camp in the Kruger National Park, which makes it a fitting postmark location since all five animals featured can be found roaming there.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a painted pair of lions walking side by side across dry golden grassland, a maned male in front and a lioness close behind, both rendered in warm ochre and amber tones that blend into the surrounding bushveld background. The artwork stretches across the full width of the envelope beneath the stamps, giving the big cats plenty of room and making them the clear focal point of the design.
Information Card
No info card supplied for this cover.
Theme: Wildlife
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SG reference: 821b-821g
SAPO serial number: 6.31
Estimated value: ~US$1.86
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 220 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.
