The world’s first Olympic Games stamps are a significant milestone in both philatelic and Olympic history. They were issued by Greece in 1896 to commemorate the first modern Olympic Games, also held in Greece that year. This pioneering issue set a precedent that continues to this day, with host nations and many others issuing stamps for each Olympiad. Here’s what we know about these historic stamps:
Historical Context:
- The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, from April 6-15, 1896, reviving the ancient Greek tradition.
- French Baron Pierre de Coubertin was the driving force behind the modern games, aiming to promote international understanding through athletic competition.
The Stamp Issue:
- Greece released a set of 12 stamps on March 25, 1896 (Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day), just before the games began.
- This was the first time any country had issued stamps specifically for the Olympics, making them pioneers in thematic stamp design.
Design and Themes:
- The stamps were designed by Professor Ioannis Svoronos, with engravings by E. Mouchon.
- Designs included:
- Ancient Greek athletes and statues (like the discus thrower)
- The Acropolis and other Greek monuments
- Hermes, the Greek god associated with athletics
- The Panathenaic Stadium, where many 1896 events were held
Denominations and Colours:
- Values ranged from 1 lepton to 10 drachmai, covering various postal rates.
- Colours varied by denomination, a common practice to help users distinguish values quickly.
- The stamps were printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. in London, known for high-quality engraving.
- There are various collectible varieties due to different perforations, papers, and printing errors.
Philatelic Significance:
- These stamps are highly prized by collectors, especially those focusing on Olympic or sports themes.
- They’re also significant for collectors of Greek stamps or those interested in the birth of modern thematic stamp design.
- The high values (like the 5 and 10 drachmai) are particularly rare and valuable, as fewer were printed.
This 1896 issue started the tradition of Olympic host nations issuing commemorative stamps.
It also helped popularize thematic stamp collecting, where people collect based on the subject rather than just the country.
It’s worth noting that while these are considered the first “Olympic” stamps, they weren’t the first sports-themed stamps. For example, New South Wales (now part of Australia) issued stamps in 1888 featuring allegorical figures of “Sport.”
The 1896 Greek Olympic stamps are more than just postage; they’re a tangible link to a pivotal moment in sports history. They represent the rebirth of an ancient tradition and the start of what would become the world’s largest peaceful gathering of nations. For collectors, owning one of these stamps is like having a small piece of that historic first modern Olympiad.