1980 Bobsledding Lake Placid .15c 4 stamps

Key Points

• This product is a 1980 Bobsledding Official First Day Cover, featuring four stamps and a colorful illustration of a bobsledder in action.
• It includes four 15-cent U.S. postage stamps from the 1980 Winter Olympics series, depicting bobsledding, ski jumping, ice hockey, and speed skating, postmarked on February 1, 1980, in Lake Placid, NY.
• The cover, produced by the U.S. Olympic Committee, commemorates bobsledding during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, with a broader nod to the Games through the stamp set.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $10 and $25, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1980 Bobsledding Official First Day Cover is an exciting philatelic item celebrating the high-speed sport of bobsledding at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Featuring a dynamic illustration of a bobsledder and a set of four 15-cent U.S. postage stamps from the 1980 Winter Olympics series, this cover captures the spirit of the Games held in Lake Placid, New York. Produced by the U.S. Olympic Committee, it’s a perfect addition for collectors of Olympic memorabilia, philatelists, and sports enthusiasts, offering a vibrant connection to a historic moment in winter sports.

Historical Context

The 1980 Winter Olympics, held from February 13 to 24, 1980, in Lake Placid, New York, were a landmark event in Olympic history, most famously remembered for the “Miracle on Ice,” where the U.S. men’s hockey team defeated the Soviet Union. Bobsledding, a thrilling Winter Olympic sport since 1924, was a highlight of the 1980 Games, with events held at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run. The 1980 bobsled events saw East Germany dominate, winning gold in both the two-man and four-man events, with Bernhard Germeshausen and Hans-Jürgen Gerhardt leading the two-man team, and Meinhard Nehmer piloting the four-man team. The issuance of this first day cover on February 1, 1980, just before the Games began, reflects the anticipation and national pride surrounding the event, as the U.S. hosted its first Winter Olympics since 1932.

Collectible Value

First day covers tied to the Olympics, especially those featuring a complete set of stamps, are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and connection to global sporting events. This Bobsledding cover, with its clear postmark, vibrant illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $10 and $25, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its inclusion of all four 1980 Winter Olympics stamps, its association with the 1980 Games, and its production by the U.S. Olympic Committee enhance its appeal to collectors of both philatelic and Olympic memorabilia.

Unexpected Detail: The “Miracle on Ice” Connection

While this cover focuses on bobsledding, its inclusion of the ice hockey stamp ties it to one of the most iconic moments of the 1980 Winter Olympics: the “Miracle on Ice.” On February 22, 1980, the U.S. men’s hockey team, composed largely of amateur players, defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union team 4-3 in a stunning upset, later winning gold against Finland. This event, which occurred just weeks after the cover’s issuance, became a defining moment of the Games, symbolizing American resilience during the Cold War. The cover, with its hockey stamp, indirectly captures the anticipation of that historic moment, adding a layer of cultural significance.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1980 Bobsledding Official First Day Cover

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1980 Bobsledding Official First Day Cover, exploring its features, historical context, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that celebrates a thrilling Olympic event, making it a valuable piece for collectors of both stamps and Olympic memorabilia.

Product Description and Features

The 1980 Bobsledding Official First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate bobsledding at the 1980 Winter Olympics, produced by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The cover features a colorful illustration of a bobsledder in action, wearing a helmet and goggles, steering a red bobsled with a backdrop of the American flag. The bobsled’s design includes white dots, possibly representing snow or speed, adding to the dynamic feel of the scene. The text “Bobsledding – Official First Day Cover – U.S. Olympic Committee” is printed below, along with a signature (possibly from the artist or a related figure, though the name is not fully legible).

Affixed to the cover are four 15-cent U.S. postage stamps (Scott #1795-1798), part of the 1980 Winter Olympics series, depicting four different sports:

• Bobsledding: A bobsled team racing down the track.
• Ski Jumping: A ski jumper soaring through the air.
• Ice Hockey: A hockey player taking a shot on goal.
• Speed Skating: A speed skater in mid-stride.

Each stamp is labeled “USA Olympics 1980” and “15c,” and they are postmarked with a circular cancellation reading “Lake Placid, NY Feb 1 1980,” alongside the text “First Day of Issue,” confirming their philatelic status. The cover’s condition appears excellent, with no visible tears, stains, or creases, preserving its vibrant colors and collectible value.

Historical Significance and Context

Bobsledding has been a part of the Winter Olympics since 1924 (except for 1960), known for its high speeds and teamwork. The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, held from February 13 to 24, 1980, featured bobsled events at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run, a venue specifically built for the Games. East Germany dominated the 1980 bobsled events, with Bernhard Germeshausen and Hans-Jürgen Gerhardt winning gold in the two-man event, and Meinhard Nehmer leading the four-man team to gold, showcasing the sport’s competitive intensity. The U.S. team, while not medaling in bobsledding, contributed to the overall success of the Games, which are best remembered for the “Miracle on Ice” hockey victory.

The issuance of this first day cover on February 1, 1980, just before the Games began, reflects the anticipation surrounding the event, as the U.S. hosted its first Winter Olympics since 1932. The 1980 Games were a significant moment of national pride, coming at a time of Cold War tensions, economic challenges, and a renewed focus on American identity. The inclusion of all four Winter Olympics stamps on this cover broadens its scope, celebrating the diversity of winter sports while focusing on bobsledding, and the choice of Lake Placid for the postmark ties the cover directly to the Olympic venue.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers tied to the Olympics, especially those featuring a complete set of stamps, are popular among collectors for their connection to global sporting events and historical moments. The 1980 Bobsledding cover, with its clear postmark, vibrant illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $10 and $25, based on market trends for similar items. For example, first day covers from the 1980 Winter Olympics series with all four stamps often sell on platforms like eBay or through stamp dealers in this price range, with variations depending on condition, rarity, and the popularity of the theme. The cover’s value is enhanced by its inclusion of the complete stamp set, its association with the 1980 Winter Olympics, and its production by the U.S. Olympic Committee, making it appealing to collectors of both philatelic and Olympic memorabilia.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The four 15-cent stamps on the cover (Scott #1795-1798) are part of the 1980 Winter Olympics series, issued to commemorate the Games held in Lake Placid, New York. Each stamp depicts a different winter sport:

• Bobsledding (Scott #1795): A bobsled team racing down the track, capturing the speed and teamwork of the sport.
• Ski Jumping (Scott #1796): A ski jumper soaring through the air, highlighting the grace and daring of the event.
• Ice Hockey (Scott #1797): A hockey player taking a shot on goal, reflecting the intensity of the sport.
• Speed Skating (Scott #1798): A speed skater in mid-stride, showcasing the endurance and precision required.

Each stamp is labeled “USA Olympics 1980” and “15c,” and their designs use a consistent color palette of blue, red, and white, reflecting the patriotic theme of the Games. The 15-cent denomination aligns with the first-class postage rate for postcards in 1980, as the standard letter rate had increased to 15 cents in 1978, with a subsequent increase to 20 cents in 1981. The stamps’ placement on the cover, along with the clear Lake Placid postmark, enhances the item’s philatelic appeal.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

This cover is a variant of the 1980 Ski Jumping and Women’s Ice Hockey first day covers you previously provided, which featured single stamps from the same series. This version, with its complete set of four stamps, offers a broader representation of the 1980 Winter Olympics, making it more comprehensive and potentially more valuable to collectors. Compared to other Olympic memorabilia, such as medals or signed photographs from the 1980 Games, this first day cover offers a more accessible entry point for collectors. A signed item from the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team could fetch hundreds of dollars, while this cover provides a more affordable way to own a piece of Olympic history. Compared to other first day covers, such as the 1980 Frances Perkins cover (valued at $5–$15), this Bobsledding cover may have a higher value due to its Olympic connection and complete stamp set.

Unexpected Historical Detail: The “Miracle on Ice” Connection

An intriguing aspect of this cover is its indirect connection to the “Miracle on Ice,” one of the most iconic moments of the 1980 Winter Olympics. The ice hockey stamp included in the set foreshadows the historic event that occurred on February 22, 1980, when the U.S. men’s hockey team, composed largely of amateur players, defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union team 4-3 in a stunning upset, later winning gold against Finland. This victory, which took place just weeks after the cover’s issuance, became a defining moment of the Games, symbolizing American resilience during the Cold War. The cover, with its hockey stamp, captures the anticipation of that moment, adding a layer of cultural significance beyond its focus on bobsledding.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1980 Bobsledding Official First Day Cover is a vibrant and historically significant collectible that captures the excitement of bobsledding and the broader spirit of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Its dynamic illustration, complete set of four stamps, clear postmark, and connection to a landmark Olympic event make it a standout piece for collectors of Olympic memorabilia and philately. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an Olympic history buff, or a stamp collector, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting the thrill of the Games and the enduring legacy of Lake Placid as an Olympic venue.