1932 Los Angeles Olympics 3 Cents Postage Stamp

This item is a vintage United States postage stamp, denominated at 3 cents, issued to commemorate the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles. The stamp features a central vignette of a male athlete in a crouched, ready-to-start position, indicative of a runner or jumper. The athlete is depicted realistically with muscular definition, wearing what appears to be an athletic singlet or top and shorts. The overall color of the stamp is a deep purple or violet (lilac) against a lighter background. The design is framed by an ornate border. 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE' is prominently displayed at the top. Arching around the central image from left to right are the words 'XIVTH OLYMPIAD LOS ANGELES 1932'. The denomination '3' is present in each bottom corner, with 'CENTS' spelled out in the bottom center. To the left and right of the athlete, within the arching text, are stylized torch-like elements, possibly representing the Olympic flame. The stamp is perforated along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. Visible condition issues include multiple horizontal black cancellation lines across the athlete's figure, suggesting it has been used for postage. The perforations appear relatively intact, although some might be slightly blunted. The color seems to be well-preserved without significant fading, typical of an engraved printing process. The design elements and text are clear, indicating good printing quality for its era. The item dates to 1932, placing it within the early 20th-century philatelic context, often valued for its historical significance and artistic representation.