1980 Ski jumping Lake Placid .15c

Key Points

• This product is a 1980 Ski Jumping Official First Day Cover, featuring a stamp and a colorful illustration of a ski jumper in action.
• It includes a single 15-cent U.S. postage stamp from the 1980 Winter Olympics series, depicting a ski jumper, postmarked on February 1, 1980, in Lake Placid, NY.
• The cover, produced by the U.S. Olympic Committee, commemorates ski jumping during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $20, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1980 Ski Jumping Official First Day Cover is a dynamic philatelic item celebrating the thrill of ski jumping at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Featuring a vibrant illustration of a ski jumper soaring through the air and a 15-cent U.S. postage stamp, this cover captures the excitement 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 tangible 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, best known for the “Miracle on Ice,” where the U.S. men’s hockey team defeated the Soviet Union. Ski jumping, a staple of the Winter Olympics since 1924, was a highlight of the 1980 Games, with events held at the Intervale Ski Jump Complex. The 1980 ski jumping events saw Finland’s Jouko Törmänen win gold in the large hill event, while Austria’s Toni Innauer took gold in the normal hill event. 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 are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and connection to global sporting events. This Ski Jumping cover, with its clear postmark, vibrant illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $20, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its association with the 1980 Winter Olympics and its production by the U.S. Olympic Committee enhance its appeal to collectors of both philatelic and Olympic memorabilia.

Unexpected Detail: Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy

An interesting aspect of this cover is its connection to Lake Placid’s enduring Olympic legacy. The 1980 Winter Olympics were the second time Lake Placid hosted the Games (the first being in 1932), and the event helped establish the town as a hub for winter sports. The Intervale Ski Jump Complex, where the 1980 ski jumping events took place, remains in use today for training and competitions, and Lake Placid continues to host international winter sports events, including the 2023 Winter World University Games. This cover captures a moment in that legacy, reflecting Lake Placid’s role in Olympic history.

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

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1980 Ski Jumping 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 Ski Jumping Official First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate ski jumping at the 1980 Winter Olympics, produced by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The cover features a colorful illustration of a ski jumper in mid-air, wearing a black suit with the number 22 on a white bib, soaring against a backdrop of the American flag. Two smaller figures in the background, dressed in red and blue, add depth to the scene, capturing the competitive spirit of the event. The text “Ski Jumping – 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 is a single 15-cent U.S. postage stamp (Scott #1797), part of the 1980 Winter Olympics series, depicting a ski jumper in a blue suit soaring through the air, with “USA Olympics 1980” and “15c” printed on the stamp. The stamp is postmarked with a circular cancellation reading “Lake Placid, NY Feb 1 1980,” alongside the text “First Day of Issue,” confirming its 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

Ski jumping has been a part of the Winter Olympics since the inaugural Games in 1924, known for its combination of athleticism, precision, and daring. The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, held from February 13 to 24, 1980, featured ski jumping events at the Intervale Ski Jump Complex, with competitions in both the normal hill (70 meters) and large hill (90 meters) categories. Finland’s Jouko Törmänen won gold in the large hill event, while Austria’s Toni Innauer took gold in the normal hill event, marking a strong showing for European athletes in the sport. The U.S. team, while not medaling in ski jumping, 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 choice of Lake Placid for the postmark ties the cover directly to the Olympic venue, adding to its historical significance.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers tied to the Olympics are popular among collectors for their connection to global sporting events and historical moments. The 1980 Ski Jumping cover, with its clear postmark, vibrant illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $20, based on market trends for similar items. For example, first day covers from the 1980 Winter Olympics series 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 association with the 1980 Winter Olympics, its production by the U.S. Olympic Committee, and its focus on a visually striking sport, making it appealing to collectors of both philatelic and Olympic memorabilia.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The 15-cent stamp on the cover (Scott #1797) is part of the 1980 Winter Olympics series, issued to commemorate the Games held in Lake Placid, New York. The stamp depicts a ski jumper in a blue suit soaring through the air, capturing the dynamic motion of the sport, with “USA Olympics 1980” and “15c” printed on the design. The stamp’s focus on ski jumping aligns perfectly with the cover’s theme, reflecting the prominence of the sport in the Winter Olympics. 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 stamp’s 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 Winter Olympics first day cover you previously provided, which featured four stamps and focused on the “Miracle on Ice.” This version, with its single stamp and focus on ski jumping, offers a more specific narrative, appealing to collectors interested in Olympic winter sports beyond hockey. 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 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 Women’s Ice Hockey cover (valued at $5–$20), this Ski Jumping cover holds similar value but appeals to a broader audience due to its direct Olympic connection.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy

An intriguing aspect of this cover is its connection to Lake Placid’s enduring Olympic legacy. The 1980 Winter Olympics were the second time Lake Placid hosted the Games (the first being in 1932), and the event helped establish the town as a hub for winter sports. The Intervale Ski Jump Complex, where the 1980 ski jumping events took place, remains in use today for training and competitions, and Lake Placid has continued to host international winter sports events, including the 2023 Winter World University Games. The 1980 Games also revitalized the town’s economy and infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on the region. This cover captures a moment in that legacy, reflecting Lake Placid’s role as a historic Olympic venue.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1980 Ski Jumping Official First Day Cover is a dynamic and historically significant collectible that captures the excitement of ski jumping at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Its vibrant illustration, 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 Lake Placid’s enduring legacy in winter sports.