South African Nobel Laureates 2
South Africa, Pretoria · 1996-11-04
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 4 November 1996 in Pretoria, with a special Nobel Centenary Year cancellation. The five stamps depict Max Theiler, awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1951, Albert Luthuli, awarded the Peace Prize in 1961, Alfred Nobel himself, Allan Cormack, awarded the Medicine prize in 1979, and Aaron Klug, awarded the Chemistry prize in 1982. Max Theiler's 1951 award, for developing a vaccine against yellow fever, was the first Nobel Prize won by a South African, coming forty five years before this centenary cover was issued.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed pencil portrait of Alfred Nobel, shown seated and turned slightly to the side with his chin resting on his hand. The shading is heavy and textured, giving the portrait a strong sense of depth and age appropriate to a historical figure from the 19th century. Nobel's expression is thoughtful and reserved, and the drawing captures the fine detail of his beard, hair and clothing with careful crosshatching throughout. Below the portrait the title "South African Nobel Laureates 1951-1993" appears in a formal serif type.
Information Card
No info card was provided for this cover.
Theme: Heritage
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SAPO serial number: 6.46
Estimated value: ~US$4.96
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.
