Maldives year 2002 stamps Soccer / Football – World cup in Japan MNH**
In 2002, the Maldives (through the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation, or IGPC) released an extensive and colorful series of stamps to commemorate the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea.
True to the Maldives’ style during this era, the issue was quite large, featuring multiple sheetlets and souvenir sheets designed to appeal to topical soccer collectors worldwide.
1. Key 2002 World Cup Issues
The collection is typically divided into sets based on the stages of the tournament.
The “Finalists” and “Match” Sheets
These are the most common sheets found by collectors. They usually contain 6 stamps per sheet and highlight specific high-profile matchups.
- The Final (Brazil vs. Germany): Features action shots from the final match where Brazil secured their 5th title.
- 3rd & 4th Place Play-off: A sheet featuring players from South Korea and Turkey (who finished 3rd).
- World Cup Stadiums: A sheetlet featuring the futuristic architecture of the new stadiums in Seoul, Yokohama, and Saitama.
Individual Player Sheets
The Maldives also released sheets featuring “Top Players” or “Legends” of the 2002 tournament. These stamps often feature names like Ronaldo (Brazil), Oliver Kahn (Germany), and Zinedine Zidane (France).
2. Technical Details & Cataloging
Because these were “Agency Issues” (produced for the international market), they are very colorful and high-quality.
- Catalog Numbers: * Scott: Often starts around #2589 or #2650 (depending on the specific sheet).
- Michel: 4014–4019 (Main sets).
- Format: Mostly issued as Sheetlets of 6 or Souvenir Sheets (SS) of 1 large stamp.
- Perforation: Usually 13.5 or 14.
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