For Auction: Rare Olympic Games Commemorative Stamp Collection – Greek & French Issues with Official Presentation Folders A remarkable collection of official Olympic commemorative stamp sets celebrating key moments in Olympic history, with a focus on Greece's role as the birthplace of both ancient and modern Games. This collection includes multiple complete sheets, blocks, and souvenir folders from Greece and France, each commemorating significant Olympic milestones. Collection Contents: 1. Greece 1996 – Centennial Commemorative Blocks (1896-1996) Multiple complete miniature sheets celebrating the centenary of the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. These blocks of four stamps feature reproductions of the original 1896 Olympic stamp designs, which were the world's first-ever Olympic commemorative stamps. The issue honours this historic milestone with detailed engravings showing ancient Greek athletic imagery including chariots, classical architecture, and Olympic gods. Includes official presentation folder with text in Greek explaining the historical significance. 2. Greece 1996 – Centennial Complete Sheet (1896-1996) One complete large sheet of 30 identical stamps, also commemorating the centennial. This sheet features a different, monochromatic sepia-toned design with the Olympic rings, a classical urn or monument, and the denomination '06'. This full sheet format is a cornerstone piece for any Olympic philately collection. 3. Greece 1989 – Olympic Games Historical Issue Complete miniature sheets depicting various Olympic sports with artistic renderings combining ancient and modern athletic themes. Features swimming, wrestling, and other Olympic disciplines set against backgrounds of Greek archaeological sites including the Acropolis. These stamps celebrate Greece's continuing connection to Olympic heritage. Includes official presentation folder. 4. France & Greece 1992 – Joint Issue (Barcelona Summer Games) Complete sheets and blocks from a joint postal issue between France and Greece commemorating the 1992 XXV Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. The stamps feature Olympic rings and stylized running athlete silhouettes in bold geometric designs, issued during the last year the Summer and Winter Games were held in the same calendar year. Includes official bilingual presentation folders in French and Greek. Historical Significance: The 1896 Athens Olympics marked the rebirth of the Olympic movement. The Greek issues from 1996 specifically celebrate 100 years since those groundbreaking 1896 stamps. The various reproductions and commemorative designs (Items 1 and 2) of the original 1896 designs by Professor Ioannis Svoronos and engraver E. Mouchon make this a particularly meaningful set for collectors. The 1992 joint issue captures a unique moment in Olympic history—the final time Winter and Summer Games shared a calendar year before the IOC adopted the staggered two-year cycle. Condition & Presentation: All stamps are in Mint Never Hinged (MNH) condition with original gum. Complete sheets maintain their perforations and pristine condition. Official presentation folders feature explanatory text, historical context, and mounted stamp examples with protective coverings. Key Features: • Countries: Greece & France (Joint Issue) • Years: 1989, 1992, 1996 (Two distinct issues) • Olympics Commemorated: Athens 1896 Centennial (Two issues), Various Olympic History, Barcelona 1992 (Summer) • Formats: Complete miniature sheets, blocks, a complete sheet of 30, presentation folders • Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH) Collector Appeal: This collection appeals to Olympic memorabilia enthusiasts, thematic stamp collectors focusing on sports, Greek cultural heritage specialists, and philatelists interested in complete commemorative issues with original documentation. The combination of Greece's foundational role in Olympic history with France's contribution as a collaborative partner creates a cohesive narrative spanning a century of Olympic tradition.