New Zealand post issued this special stamp to celebrate the achievments of two outstanding Kiwi Sportsmen at the Atlanta Olympics 1996.
Issue information
New Zealand’s yearning for Olympic gold was satisfied at Atlanta by the deeds of two outstanding Kiwi sportsmen: swimmer Danyon loader and horseman Blyth Tait.
In the first day of competition, New Zealand halted to watch Loader power home in the 200 metres freestyle. Several days later, he joined the likes of Peter Snell to win a second individual gold at the same Games, this time in the 400 metre freestyle.
God Defend New Zealand was heard a third time at Atlanta. Blyth Tait, riding Ready Teddy, secure Olympic glory in the Individual Three Day Event after an outstanding display of show jumping.
In recognition of the golden achievements of Danyon Loader and Blyth Tait, New Zealand Post issued a special commorative stamp.
The 40c stamp was circular, echoing the five stamp Atlanta Olympics 1996 issue released in July. It featured the victorious pair inside a gold border.
The stamp was produced in blocks of six stamps, with the stamps surrounded by a background montage of fernleaves and Olympic rings. The stamp was available in singles, however to obtain the full effect of the background montage it was necessary to purchase a block of six stamps.
Product Listing for Olympic Gold
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp | Single 40c ‘Olympic Gold’ gummed stamp. | $0.40 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with two gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $1.05 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 28 August 1996 |
|---|---|
| Stamps designed by: | Red Cactus Design, Wellington |
| Number of stamps: | One |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 36 |
| Denominations and designs: | 40c Danyon Loader and Blyth Tait |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Dunedin by lithography |
| Stamp size and format: | 33mm diameter (circular) |
| Paper type: | 103gsm red phosphor coated |
| Cost of unaddressed first day cover with two stamps: | $1.05 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint, positional, or value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps. |
| Colour blocks: | Also known as traffic lights – these blocks were included in plate blocks. |
| Barcode blocks: | Were available in both A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 4 September 1997. |
