On 19 October 1968, Lebanon issued a stunning set of five airmail stamps to commemorate the 19th Olympic Games held in Mexico City. These stamps, designed by M. Porada, showcase a blend of Aztec cultural motifs and modern Olympic sports, reflecting the host country’s heritage and the international spirit of the Games.
Denominations, Colours, and Prices
| SG No. | Face Value | Colour | Mint (£) | Used (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1036 | 5p | Black, greenish yellow, and blue | 0.25 | 0.15 |
| 1037 | 10p | Black, bright blue, and bright purple | 0.40 | 0.20 |
| 1038 | 15p | Sepia, drab, yellow, and yellow-olive | 0.65 | 0.25 |
| 1039 | 20p | Sepia, drab, yellow, and red-orange | 1.00 | 0.30 |
| 1040 | 25p | Yellow-brown | 1.30 | 0.50 |
Designs and Themes
Each stamp in this series features a unique Olympic sport integrated with an Aztec relic, a tribute to the cultural heritage of Mexico:
- 5p (Long Jumping and Atlantes): Depicts a long jumper mid-action alongside an Aztec statue, symbolizing strength and athleticism.
- 10p (High Jumping and Aztec Pillar): Highlights a high jumper soaring next to a decorated Aztec pillar, emphasizing elevation and tradition.
- 15p (Fencing and Aztec Mask): Combines the elegance of fencing with an intricate Aztec mask, representing precision and artistry.
- 20p (Weightlifting and Aztec Head): Features a weightlifter lifting a barbell alongside an imposing Aztec head, showcasing power and endurance.
- 25p (Phoenician Ship and Olympic Rings): Pays homage to Lebanon’s maritime heritage with a Phoenician ship bearing the Olympic rings, celebrating the nation’s connection to exploration and internationalism.
Printing and Perforation
- Printing: Produced with vibrant, multi-coloured lithography to capture the dynamic interplay of cultural motifs and athleticism.
- Perforation: The stamps are perforated at 12½ x 11½, ensuring uniform edges and high production quality.
Historical Context
The 1968 Olympic Games marked several historic firsts:
- Hosted in Mexico City, it was the first Olympic Games held in Latin America.
- Known for technological advancements, it introduced electronic timekeeping and improved telecommunication broadcasts.
- Politically, it was a time of global tensions, yet the Games symbolized peace and unity.
Lebanon’s issuance of this set was a celebration of its participation in the Games and a showcase of its ability to blend international themes with its own artistic identity.
Philatelic Significance
This set is a collector’s gem for several reasons:
- Artistic Integration: The fusion of sports and Aztec culture reflects the rich interplay of history and modernity.
- Olympic Heritage: As an Olympic commemorative issue, it holds significant historical value for sports and philatelic enthusiasts alike.
- Lebanese Identity: The inclusion of the Phoenician ship on the 25p stamp is a nod to Lebanon’s ancient maritime history.
Closing Thoughts
The 1968 Lebanon Olympic Games Airmail Set is a vivid and culturally rich philatelic tribute to the Olympic spirit and the cultural heritage of the host nation, Mexico. Its detailed designs and historical significance make it an indispensable addition to any Olympic-themed or Middle Eastern stamp collection.
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