Haiti year 1964 Olympic Games Tokyo stamps set MNH
Haiti’s 1964 Olympic stamp set for the Tokyo Games is a complex and fascinating issue for collectors. Unlike many countries that released a single set, Haiti’s release involved multiple printings, airmails, and subsequent surcharges (overprints) in 1965.
1. The Original 1964 Issue
Released on November 12, 1964, the initial set features dynamic athletic scenes with the Tokyo 1964 emblem and the Olympic rings.
- Regular Postage (Scott #510–512):
- 10c: Volleyball (Blue/Multicolor)
- 20c: Gymnastics (Red/Multicolor)
- 50c: Wrestling (Green/Multicolor)
- Airmail (Scott #C223–C226):
- 0.50g: Weightlifting
- 1.00g: Hurdles
- 1.50g: Boxing
- 2.00g: Judo (Commemorating Judo’s debut as an Olympic sport)
2. The 1965 Surcharged Set (Overprints)
In March 1965, the original stamps were re-released with surcharges (additional values added to the face). This was done to raise further funds, and these are often what you will find in “bulk” Olympic collections today.
- Distinguishing Feature: You will see a small “+5c” or “+25c” printed on the face of the stamps in either black or red ink.
- The “Dot” Variety: Collectors look for a tiny distinction in the surcharge: some stamps have a period (dot) after the “c” (e.g., +5c.), while others do not. The “with dot” version is the more common standard issue.
3. Souvenir Sheets & Variations
Haiti followed the trend of the time by producing several high-value formats for collectors:
- Souvenir Sheet (Scott #C226a): A large sheet containing the 2.00g Judo airmail stamp. It is often found with a decorative border featuring the Japanese flag and Olympic rings.
- Imperforate Sheets: The entire set was also produced in imperforate form (no “teeth” on the edges). These were typically sold at a premium to collectors.
- Gold Foil / Overprints: There are rare overprinted versions on gold-foil or specialized paper, though these are sometimes considered “speculative” by serious postal historians.
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