Issue: Germany Olympic Year 1960 Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Denominations: 7 PF
Issue Date: 1960
Issued By: Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )
About
The Olympic Stamp was issued to commemorate the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome Italy, and the 1960 Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley USA. The stamp reflects Germany’s participation in these prestigious international sporting events, marking the Olympic spirit of unity and competition.
Issuance:
Date of Issue:
The stamp was issued in 1960 as part of Germany’s tribute to the Olympic Games that year.
Purpose:
It was released to celebrate Germany’s involvement in both the Winter and Summer Olympics of 1960.
Design:
Olympic Rings:
The stamp prominently features the Olympic Rings, symbolizing the unity of the five continents and the global nature of the Games.
Imagery:
The design may include elements such as athletic figures, winter sports, or iconic Olympic symbols like the flame or laurel wreath.
Typography:
The stamp likely includes text indicating “Olympisches Jahr 1960” (Olympic Year 1960), as well as the denomination and the issuing country, Deutsche Bundespost.
Color Palette:
The stamp may have been designed with vibrant colors to evoke the energy and excitement of the Olympic Games.
Denomination:
The face value of the stamp would reflect the standard postal rates in Germany at the time of issue, making it suitable for general use in mailing.
Significance:
Olympic Legacy:
The 1960 Olympics were significant for Germany as it was represented by a Unified Team of Germany (which included athletes from both West and East Germany). This was a rare display of unity during the Cold War era.
Summer Olympics in Rome:
The 1960 Summer Olympics were notable for being the first Games to be fully covered on television. They also saw outstanding performances from athletes such as Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), who won gold in boxing.
Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley:
The 1960 Winter Games introduced new sports and saw innovations in broadcasting and sports technology.
Collectibility:
Philatelic Value:
Olympic-themed stamps are highly collectible, especially those from significant years like 1960. The German Olympic Year stamp holds value for both sports enthusiasts and philatelists.
Special Editions:
First-day covers, souvenir sheets, and special cancellations might also be available, adding to its appeal for collectors.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Unified Team of Germany:
The 1960 Games were unique because athletes from East and West Germany competed together as a single team. This arrangement continued for several Olympic Games, until the German reunification in 1990.
Symbol of Peace and Unity:
The Olympic Games are a global symbol of peaceful competition and international cooperation, which was especially significant during the Cold War period.
Summary:
The Germany Stamp commemorates Germany’s participation in the 1960 Summer and Winter Olympics. Featuring the Olympic Rings and possibly athletic imagery, the stamp symbolizes the unity of global competition and the country’s involvement in the Games. It holds historical and philatelic value, particularly for collectors interested in Olympic-themed stamps or German postal history.
