First participation, Montreal
Piece details
Identity
- Piece codeStamp code YYYY.ENT.SS-PP — series code plus stamp order (e.g. 1900.CGH.01-02).
1976.TON.01-02- SeriesThe set this stamp belongs to.
- First participation, Montreal Olympics
1976.TON.01· piece 2 of 5 - EntityPostal authority that issued the stamps (country, territory, or historical entity).
Tonga (TON)- Year / date
- 1976-02-24
- Face valueDenomination on the stamp; +n is a charity surcharge when present.
- 14 s on 16 s
- Format
- Stamp
- TypeIssue kind. Charity issue = postage + voluntary surcharge (e.g. 6+4), not an overprint.
- Airmail
- Colors
- Multicolour
- CollectionIn collection if you have it; Purchased if it is bought but not yet received (do not buy again); Wanted otherwise.
- ○ Wanted
Production
- Printer
- Walsall Security Printers Ltd.
- Process
- Offset lithography
- PerforationsHole gauge between stamps (e.g. 12, 13½). Higher ≈ finer.
- Die cut (self-adhesive)
Catalog numbers
- DomfilDomfil thematic catalog number (scouting).
- 976.7
- ScottScott catalog number (Americas).
- TO C190
- MichelMichel catalog number (Europe / DE).
- TO 565
- YvertYvert & Tellier catalog number (FR).
- TO PA185
- Stanley GibbonsStanley Gibbons catalog number (UK / Commonwealth).
- TO 564
Notes
Die-cut shield on square peelable backing. Pale field with the red Montreal emblem, FIRST PARTICIPATION OLYMPICS MONTREAL 1976, and four red athlete silhouettes (throw, javelin, high jump, runner). Blue tab below: TONGA, AIRMAIL and the value. Pale green field; value 14s.
Series history
Tonga issued five self-adhesive airmails on 24 February 1976 for the country's first participation at the Olympic Games in Montreal. Walsall Security Printers lithographed them, die-cut, with the printing on the reverse of the release paper. Sources give no designer for this printing.
Two values reuse the 1974 Girl Guide badge clusters: a red cross, lantern, snake, tent, Baden-Powell B/P badge and star, each ringed GIRL GUIDES. A silver disc adds the Montreal emblem and LOTO 'O POLINISIA. The centre now reads TONGA / OLYMPICS / MONTREAL 1976, with AIRMAIL and a new value — 12 seniti on the former 20 seniti postage stamp, and 38 seniti on the former 40 seniti.
Three shield-shaped airmails carry the red Montreal emblem, FIRST PARTICIPATION OLYMPICS MONTREAL 1976, and four athlete silhouettes, with TONGA and AIRMAIL on a blue tab. The 14 seniti is on a pale green field (surcharged on the 16 seniti airmail), the 16 seniti is gold, and the 75 seniti is silver.