Issue: Germany 1960 Olympic Games Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Denominations: 10 PF
Issue Date: 1960
Issued By: Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )
About
The Olympic Games Stamp was issued to commemorate the 1960 Summer Olympic Games held in Rome Italy. This stamp reflects Germany’s participation in the global sporting event and celebrates the Olympic spirit of unity and athletic excellence.
Issuance:
Event:
The stamp was issued to commemorate the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome from August 25 to September 11, 1960.
Purpose:
To celebrate Germany’s participation in the Olympics and promote the Olympic ideals of international cooperation, sportsmanship, and athletic achievement.
Design:
Olympic Symbolism:
The design typically features the Olympic rings, a universal symbol of the Games, alongside athletic imagery.
Athletic Imagery:
The stamp may depict various sporting events or athletes in action, symbolizing the competition and global camaraderie of the Olympics.
Stylized Artwork:
Some versions of the stamp could include images of stadiums, torches, or classical motifs paying homage to the ancient origins of the Olympics in Greece.
Colors:
Bright and vibrant colors, such as blue, red, and green, were often used to reflect the energy and excitement of the Olympic Games.
Denomination:
The face value of the stamp would have been set according to German postal rates at the time, likely around 10 to 20 pfennigs, suitable for sending letters or postcards within Germany and internationally during the Olympic period.
Significance:
Germany’s Olympic Participation:
In 1960, East and West Germany competed together as a unified team under the banner of the United Team of Germany a politically significant decision during the Cold War. This unity lasted from 1956 to 1964.
The Rome Games:
The 1960 Rome Olympics were notable for several key moments, such as the emergence of famous athletes like Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) and sprinter Wilma Rudolph, as well as being the first Games to be fully televised.
Collectibility:
Philatelic Value:
Stamps related to the Olympics are highly collectible due to their global appeal and the prestige of the Games. The Germany 1960 Olympic stamp is sought after by collectors focusing on sports, Olympic memorabilia, or German philately.
Special Features:
Collectors may also look for first-day covers, special postmarks from the Rome Olympics, or stamps with Olympic-themed cancellations from the Games.
Historical and Cultural Context:
Olympic Spirit:
The Olympic Games have always been a symbol of peace, unity, and friendly competition among nations. The 1960 stamp from Germany reflects these ideals and celebrates the country’s contribution to the Games.
Cold War Era:
Germany’s participation as a unified team is particularly significant in the context of the Cold War, symbolizing a temporary cooperation between East and West Germany in the Olympic arena, even as political tensions remained high.
Summary:
The Stamp commemorates Germany’s involvement in the Rome Summer Olympics. It is a valuable collector’s item representing not only the sporting event itself but also a unique moment in Cold War history when East and West Germany competed together. The stamp celebrates athleticism international cooperation and the Olympic tradition making it a meaningful artifact for both philatelists and sports enthusiasts.
