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Olympic Games Issue

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5-cent Tenth Olympic Games single

The United States being the host nation for the Olympic Summer Games of 1932, the U.S. Post Office Department issued two stamps to honor the event. The violet 3-cent stamp shows a runner on his mark; the blue 5-cent stamp pictures the sculpture 'Discobolus', or discus thrower, by 5th century Greek sculptor Myron.

Gordon T. Trotter

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3-cent Tenth Olympic Games single

The 3-cent violet stamp in the Tenth Olympic Games Issue shows a runner on his mark awaiting the starting signal for a race. The games were held in Los Angeles from July 30 to August 14, 1932. This was the second Olympics to be held in the United States, the 1904 games having been held in St. Louis.

Gordon T. Trotter

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5-cent Tenth Olympic Games single

The 5-cent blue stamp of the Tenth Olympic Games issue depicts the Discobolus of Myron, a famous sculpture of fifth century Greece. A discus thrower is depicted about to release his throw. The moment captured in the statue is known as 'rhythmos'—harmony and balance. Myron is often credited as being the first sculptor to master this style. The other trademark of Myron depicted in this sculpture is the body's perfect proportion, 'symmetria'.

Gordon T. Trotter

About U.S. Stamps