The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, was a historic event that brought together athletes from around the world. To celebrate this grand occasion, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a set of four commemorative 13-cent Summer Olympics stamps on July 28, 1983, one year before the Games began. Designed by renowned artist Robert Peak, this series showcased dynamic illustrations of various Olympic sports, reflecting the energy and excitement of the event.
Each stamp in the series featured a different Olympic sport, capturing the motion and spirit of the Games. Below is a detailed description of each stamp, along with its Scott catalog number:
1. Discus Thrower 13c stamp (Scott #2048)
This stamp portrays a male athlete in mid-motion, just before releasing the discus. The powerful stance and muscular definition highlight the strength and precision required for this event.
2. High Jumper 13c stamp (Scott #2049)
Depicting a female athlete performing the high jump using the Fosbury Flop technique, this stamp embodies grace and athleticism. The image showcases the moment she clears the bar, symbolizing human endurance and achievement.
3. Archery 13c stamp (Scott #2050)
This stamp features a female archer, bow drawn and arrow ready to be released. The design emphasizes concentration and skill, which are essential for excelling in this ancient sport.
4. Boxing 13c stamp (Scott #2051)
A powerful illustration of two male boxers engaged in a match, gloves raised in intense combat. This stamp captures the energy and strategy of the sport, highlighting the competitive spirit of the Olympics.
Notable Errors and Misprints
The stamps were printed using the photogravure process by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, with a total of 98,856,000 blocks of four produced. While the production was carefully managed, some misprints and errors have been documented, making certain variations highly collectible.
Perforation shifts – some sheets had horizontal perforations shifted, resulting in stamps that were cut through the design, affecting visual appeal and collectability.
Color misregistrations – certain stamps exhibited slight misalignments in the color layers, causing blurring or ghosting effects, particularly in the discus thrower and boxing stamps.
Conclusion
The 1984 Summer Olympics 13-cent stamp series stands as a beautiful tribute to one of the most memorable Olympic Games in history. These stamps not only celebrate athletic excellence but also serve as cherished collectibles, particularly those with production anomalies. For philatelists and Olympic enthusiasts alike, this series remains a significant and visually striking addition to any collection.
