Christmas 1996
South Africa, Bethlehem · 1996-10-09
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 9 October 1996 in Bethlehem, SAPO reference PT 6.43. It's part of the annual Christmas stamp series, this issue showing three lit candles nestled among holly leaves and berries, designed by A H Ainslie. Bethlehem, the Free State town, makes a fitting postmark location for a Christmas themed cover, and the wreath shaped postmark design carries the theme through to the cancellation itself.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a festive illustration in a green arched border decorated with a scrolling ribbon pattern and a single star at its peak. Inside the arch hangs a large golden orange ornament ball beside a toy soldier nutcracker figure holding drumsticks, with a green ribboned bell resting below them. The colours lean warm and traditional, gold, deep green and burgundy, and the words "Christmas 1996" sit along the bottom in a serif font that matches the classic tone of the illustration.
Information Card
No info card supplied for this cover.
Theme: Other
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.7 (ZAR)
SG reference: 937
SAPO serial number: 6.43
Estimated value: ~US$0.43
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.
