Hong Kong '97 International Philatelic Exhibition
South Africa · 1997-02-12
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked between 12 and 16 February 1997 in South Africa, SAPO reference PT 6.49, marking South Africa's participation in the Hong Kong '97 International Philatelic Exhibition. The miniature sheet pairs a heraldic blue lion, the South African national emblem, with a gold Chinese dragon, symbolically bringing the two countries together on a single stamp with a face value of R3.00. The exhibition took place just months before Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese sovereignty later that year, adding extra historical weight to the timing of this issue.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows two traditional Chinese junks under sail, their fanned red and gold canvas rigged with bamboo battens, cutting through choppy water with small red pennants flying from the mastheads. The illustration is detailed and painterly, capturing the texture of weathered wood and worn sailcloth on both vessels. The words "Hong Kong '97 Stamp Exhibition" appear top left beside a small red exhibition logo, setting the maritime scene against the philatelic occasion the cover was produced for.
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: R3 (ZAR)
SAPO serial number: 6.49
Estimated value: ~US$0.99
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.
