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1996 50c Cycling

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US #3119
1996 Cycling Overprints

  • Celebrates the sport of Cycling
  • Last Commemoratives of 1996
  • Not sold at most Post Offices
  • Overprinted with map of the 1996 Tour of China

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Value:   50¢, International Post Card Rate
First Day of Issue:  November 1, 1996
First Da...  more

US #3119
1996 Cycling Overprints

  • Celebrates the sport of Cycling
  • Last Commemoratives of 1996
  • Not sold at most Post Offices
  • Overprinted with map of the 1996 Tour of China

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Value:   50¢, International Post Card Rate
First Day of Issue:  November 1, 1996
First Day City:  New York, New York, and Hong Kong
Printed by:  J.W. Fergusson and Sons for Stamp Venturers
Printing Method:  Photogravure
Format:  Panes of 2 from printing cylinders of 18 panes (36 stamps)
Perforations:  11 x 11.1

In 1996, the USPS began sponsoring the US Cycling Team. A souvenir sheet with two 50¢ stamps was created to celebrate the partnership. The panes weren’t for sale at most post offices. Instead, they were sold at events where the US Cycling Team was competing, and through Stamp Fulfillment Services – making it harder for most collectors to obtain. The proceeds from the stamps went towards covering the USPS Pro Cycling Team sponsorship.

The stamps were released on November 1st – the same date as the Tour of China, which began in Hong Kong, and ended in Shanghai. The race started at the British Army base at Stonecutters Island. The British controlled Hong Kong, and agreed to return it to China on July 1, 1997.  A small quantity of the panes were overprinted with foil lettering and a map of the race…

It’s said that the overprinted sheets came from a stamp dealer in Australia, who worked with a Taiwanese distributor to design and market the stamps. The overprints are in the selvage of the sheets, and show each stop – Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, ending in Shanghai.  With the authority of the USPS, the overprinted sheets were allowed to go on sale in China and Australia.

Very few of these overprinted sheets have made their way to the US, adding extra scarcity to an already hard-to-find issue.

These overprinted cycling stamp panes are an exceptional find and a great value. They capture a pivotal year in cycling and international history, making it a must-have for collectors who appreciate stamps with a story. Get yours today while we still have some!

 
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