Tourist Publicity Issue Ancient Greece Archaeology Topical

OVERVIEW

Offered is an attractive pair of Greece Scott 702 from the 1961 Tourist Publicity series, depicting the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.

This lot includes both a Mint Never Hinged example with original gum and a postally used example, providing collectors with a desirable mint and used representation of one of Greece's most recognizable archaeological issues.

STAMPS & POSTMARKS

The stamps are positively identified as Scott 702, the 5 drachmai value from the Tourist Publicity series issued in 1961.

The design depicts the surviving columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, one of the most important monuments of the ancient Greek world.

This lot includes one Mint Never Hinged example retaining original gum and one postally used example bearing a circular date stamp positively identified as an Athens cancellation.

CONTEXT & COLLECTOR APPEAL

The Temple of Olympian Zeus remains one of Athens' most iconic archaeological landmarks.

Begun during the Archaic period and completed under Emperor Hadrian, the temple became one of the largest religious structures of the ancient Mediterranean world.

The 1961 Tourist Publicity series was designed to promote the cultural heritage and archaeological treasures of Greece to international visitors.

As a result, Scott 702 enjoys enduring popularity among collectors of ancient Greece, classical architecture, archaeology, tourism, and European topical stamps.

The inclusion of both mint and postally used examples adds additional appeal by illustrating the issue in both preserved and postally used forms.

ITEM SPECIFICS

Country: Greece

Year: 1961

Type: Postage Stamp Pair

Topic: Ancient Greece Archaeology Architecture

Theme: Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens

Subject: Olympieion Athens

Era: 1960s

Region: Athens Greece

Stamp Color: Violet Brown

Stamp Denomination: 5 Drachmai

Paper Type: Watermarked

Gum: Original Gum MNH and No Gum Used

Cancellation Type: Circular Date Stamp

Cancellation Date: Not Confirmed

Scott Number: 702

Custom SKU: GR-1961-ZEUS-702-PAIR

CONDITION

This lot consists of one Mint Never Hinged example with full original gum and one postally used example.

Both stamps retain sound perforations, strong color, and an attractive overall appearance.

The used example bears a circular cancellation that does not materially detract from the architectural design.

Please review all photographs carefully to determine exact condition.