Stamp souvenir sheet The Agde Youth, old, stamps 4.00 F, First Day

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Visual Description

This official philatelic sheet honors the Agde Ephebe, a masterpiece of Hellenistic art discovered in 1964 in the Hérault department. On the visible side, the presentation features slightly textured, off-white paper. At the top, the title "L’ÉPHEBE D’AGDE" is printed in black capital letters, surmounting a detailed drawing of the Ephebe statue, accompanied by several illustrated amphorae in the background. The explanatory text occupies the lower half of the sheet, written in French, relating the history and discovery of the statue.

In the lower left and right corners, two 4.00 franc French postage stamps are affixed, each depicting the bust of the Agde Ephebe. The stamps bear the inscription "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" and the mention "ÉPHÈBE D’AGDE POSTES 4,00 F". A First Day postmark is distinctly visible on the left stamp, bearing the inscription "EPHEBE D’AGDE PREMIER JOUR 16-5-82 34 AGDE" with an amphora motif, reinforcing the authenticity of the set.

The bottom part of the sheet indicates: "16-82 Document Philatélique Officiel édité par l'Administration des Postes et Télécommunications pour le Musée de la Poste et par l'Imprimerie des Timbres-Poste." This mention confirms the institutional origin and commemorative purpose of the document.

The overall presentation is harmonious, typical of French philatelic First Day sheets from the 1980s. The text, illustrations, and stamps are clear and well-centered. No major defects, folds, or stains are visible in the photographed area. The paper texture and print quality are characteristic of official editions from this period.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side is in very good overall condition, with no apparent tears or major alterations.

Did you know? The Agde Ephebe, attributed to a Greek workshop of the 4th century BC, is one of the rare ancient bronze statues found almost intact in the Mediterranean. Its discovery was a major event for French underwater archaeology, and it is now exhibited at the Musée de l’Éphèbe in Agde.

AFW Reassurance

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