Dominican Republic stamps year 1956 Olympic summer games Melbourne

Dominican Republic stamps year 1956 Olympic summer games Melbourne MNH full set

In 1956 and 1957, the Dominican Republic released an extensive and visually striking collection for the XVI Summer Olympics in Melbourne. This issue is famous among sports collectors for its detailed engravings and the numerous “Gold Medalist” athletes it depicts.

1. The “Former Champions” Series (Issued Jan 1957)

Although commemorating the 1956 Games, the first set was released in early 1957. It features eight stamps (5 regular postage, 3 airmail) honoring legendary Olympic figures from the past.

2. The “1956 Gold Medalists” Series

A second set was issued specifically honoring the winners of the Melbourne Games. This set is highly sought after by collectors in the nations of the athletes represented (especially Australia and New Zealand).

• Key Athletes: Includes Betty Cuthbert (Australia, Sprints), Bobby Morrow (USA, Sprints), Norman Read (New Zealand, 50km Walk), and Alain Mimoun (France, Marathon).
• Formats: This series was issued both Perforated and Imperforated (no teeth).

3. Souvenir Sheets & Varieties

The Dominican Republic produced several large souvenir sheets for these games, which are the centerpieces of the collection.⁶

• Standard Sheets: Feature the stamps within a decorative border of flags and Olympic rings. (Michel Blocks 3 & 4).
• The “Sputnik” Overprint: In late 1957, some leftover Olympic souvenir sheets were overprinted in black to celebrate the International Geophysical Year and the launch of the Soviet Sputnik. These are rare and can be quite valuable (approx. $30 – $50).
• The “Hungary” Overprint: Some sheets were overprinted with a message condemning the Soviet invasion of Hungary, which occurred during the 1956 Olympics.