Centennial Games Atlanta 1996 2
South Africa · 1996-07-05
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This official South African First Day Cover was issued on 5 July 1996, marking the country's participation in the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games, which were held that year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympics. It carries a single R1.40 stamp with SAPO serial number 6.39, and its cachet features an image of an Olympic athlete. South Africa had only returned to Olympic competition in 1992 after nearly three decades of sporting isolation. Atlanta represented one of the country's earliest steps back onto the world sporting stage.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a long jumper caught mid leap, built from bold, angular shapes in green, gold, brown and red that echo the colours of the South African flag. The figure's arms stretch forward in classic long jump form, with the Olympic rings placed beneath in a warm orange gradient. The words "Centennial Games Atlanta 1996" run along the top in a clean serif font, giving the whole design a dynamic, sporty energy.
Information Card
No info card.
Theme: Sport
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R1.4 (ZAR)
SG reference: 924
SAPO serial number: 6.39
Estimated value: ~US$2.17
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.
