On August 23, 1975, Algeria issued a five-stamp set commemorating the 1975 Mediterranean Games held in Algiers. This set features modern pictograms representing key sports events, emphasizing Algeria’s role in hosting this major regional multi-sport competition.
Stamp Details
- Issue Date: August 23, 1975
- Printing Method: RaTdr (Rotary Intaglio & Typography)
- Perforation: K 13:13½
- Orientation: Vertical format
Breakdown of Stamps
- 0.25 Dinar – Swimming
- 0.50 Dinar – Judo
- 0.70 Dinar – Football (Soccer)
- 1.00 Dinar – Running
- 1.20 Dinar – Handball
Set Pricing
- Individual Prices (Euros):
- 0.25 Dinar: Mint – 0.30 | Used – 0.30
- 0.50 Dinar: Mint – 0.50 | Used – 0.30
- 0.70 Dinar: Mint – 0.80 | Used – 0.40
- 1.00 Dinar: Mint – 1.00 | Used – 0.50
- 1.20 Dinar: Mint – 1.40 | Used – 0.70
- Set Price (5 stamps): 4.00 (Mint) | 2.00 (Used)
Special Block Issues
Alongside the regular issue, a special block version was released:
-
Block 1 A (135 × 135 mm) Perforated
- Includes MiNr. 656 C–657 C and 658 A–660 A
- Price: 6.00 D (Mint & Used)
-
Block 1 B (135 × 135 mm) Imperforated
- Similar composition to Block 1 A
- Price: 6.00 D (Mint & Used)
Post Price: 4.50 D
Historical Significance
The 1975 Mediterranean Games marked a key moment in Algeria’s sports history, showcasing the nation’s growing role in international competitions. These pictogram stamps were inspired by Olympic-style iconography, reflecting modern sports aesthetics.
Each stamp highlights a different sport, reinforcing the diverse range of events held at the games, and promoting sports development in Algeria and the Mediterranean region.
Collector’s Insights
- Block versions (1 A & 1 B) are rarer and sought after, especially in mint condition.
- The Football (Soccer) stamp (0.70 Dinar) is highly popular, given the sport’s global fan base and Algeria’s deep football culture.
- Handball (1.20 Dinar) is the most expensive individual stamp, reflecting handball’s increasing importance in North African sports.
- The modern pictogram design makes this issue unique, appealing to collectors of sports-themed stamps and Olympic-related philately.
Final Thoughts
The 1975 Algeria Mediterranean Games pictogram issue is a modern and visually striking series, marking Algeria’s hosting of a major international sports event. This set is an essential addition for collectors of sports stamps and Algerian postal history.
Do you own any of these stamps or blocks?
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