Scotts #716 US stamps

#716 1932 Olympic Winter Games Issue

2¢ Carmine rose, bright carmine rose, deep carmine rose

Printing Method: Flat Plate
Subject: A skier
Perforations: 11
Number issued: 49,523,000
Scott #: 716
Issued: January 25th, 1932

#716 Value

Used
15¢ - 20¢
No postmark with gum (MH)
25¢
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
50¢ - $1

First Day Covers

A first day cover, dated January 25th, 1932

Plate #'s

#716 was issued with the following plate #'s

Number only
20815-26

#716a

Lake Color
#716a

#716a Value

Used
No sales recorded
No postmark with gum (MH)
$1,300
Full perfect gum, no postmark
no trace of stamp hinge mark (MNH)
$1,400

The Story Behind the Stamp

The stamp was issued to commemorate the winter Olympic games held in Lake Placid, NY in 1932. Ski jumping was chosen as it was a major event. The press said the skier was using 'Alpine Climbing Sticks" so could not represent the intended sport of ski jumpings. There were other comments that the position of the skier was not a natural position for a ski jumper. Above is a photo of ski jumper at these games

This was the poster and logo of the 1932 Winter Olympic games. As can be seen ski jumping was the chosen sport to highlight. The artist did a better of job of showing the position of a ski jumper

The Winter Olympics returned to Lake Placid in 1980 and again ski jumping appeared on a stamp. The location of the event was not included in the design this time.