China 1964 People's Republic China 8f 15th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic "Long Live the People's Commune", strip of 3 SG2213a.
A fine and fresh mint strip of 3 with full original gum. The centre stamp is very lightly hinged, barely detectable. A couple of minor gum tones present, but inconsequential. Vibrant colour and unoxidised original unblemished gold, which is often found tarnished on this issue.
Beautifully well-preserved and desirable early People’s Republic of China issues in this particularly desirable format.
The design depicts mass celebrations in Tian’anmen Square, with banners reading “Long Live the Communist Party of China”, “Long Live the General Line”, “Long Live the Great Leap Forward”, and “Long Live Chairman Mao”, beneath the national flag flying above the Gate of Heavenly Peace.
Accompanied with a Universal Philatelic Auctions (UPA) certificate of authenticity.
SG Catalogue Value: £325.
Background
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This 1964 issue celebrated 15 years of Communist rule and the consolidation of Mao Zedong’s leadership following the Great Leap Forward period.
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The set of three stamps (SG 2211–2213) was designed to form a continuous triptych, symbolising unity and mass support for the regime. The centre stamp featuring the large red flag above Tian’anmen is the focal design.
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The gold ink used for the frame and banners was unstable, and most surviving examples have become oxidised. Examples with bright, original gold are highly prized.
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Unfolded strips are particularly scarce as many were separated into singles or folded for album storage soon after issue.
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The issue is sometimes referred to by collectors as the “Red Flag Over Tian’anmen” triptych, and it is considered one of the most aesthetically significant PRC commemoratives of the 1960s.
