1972 11c 11th Winter Olympic Games, Skiing

U.S. #C85
1972 11¢ Olympic Games

Issue Date: August 17, 1972
First City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity Issued:  92,710,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Photogravure (Andreotti)
Perforation: 11 x 10 1/2

Color: Black, blue, red, emerald, and yellow

U.S. #C85 was issued to commemorate the Olympic Games – particularly the 11th Winter Olympic Games held in Sapporo, Japan.

Issued in 1972, this 11¢ U.S. airmail stamp commemorates the XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo, Japan, the first Winter Olympics hosted in Asia. The issue reflects the growing international scope of the Olympic movement and the United States’ recognition of the Games as a global event.

The stamp features a modern, graphic design showing a sequence of stylized skiers in motion. The repeated figures and bold color shifts convey speed and athletic progression, while the Olympic rings and Air Mail inscription emphasize the international and aeronautical context of the issue. The design is representative of early 1970s U.S. stamp aesthetics, favoring abstraction and dynamic movement over traditional portraiture.

Designated for airmail service, the stamp highlights the role of international mail during a period of increased global exchange. Its visual simplicity and clear symbolism make it an effective commemorative of the 1972 Winter Games and a distinctive example of modern U.S. Olympic stamp design.