1932 Los Angeles Olympics 3 Cents US Postage Stamp

This item is a 3-cent United States postage stamp, issued in 1932 to commemorate the X Olympiad in Los Angeles. The stamp features a central vignette of a male athlete in a crouching 'ready to run' starting position, enclosed within an oval frame. The athlete is depicted realistically with visible musculature, suggesting an interest in classical athletic ideals. Above the athlete, encircling the oval, are the words 'X OLYMPIAD - LOS ANGELES - 1932'. The top of the stamp prominently displays 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE'. On either side of the athlete's vignette, within the main rectangular design, are stylized torch-like elements, possibly representing the Olympic flame or classical pillars. The denomination '3 CENTS' is clearly printed at the bottom center, with a '3' in an ornate circle in both the bottom left and bottom right corners. The stamp's color is a monochromatic purple or violet, typical of many stamps from this era. It features perforated edges, indicating it was part of a sheet of stamps. Visible condition issues include heavy cancellation marks across the athlete's figure, composed of multiple horizontal black lines, suggesting it has been used for postage. The perforations appear largely intact, though the top left corner shows some minor wear or separation from an adjacent stamp. The overall aesthetic is one of functional artistry, designed for postal use while commemorating a significant national and international event. The craftsmanship appears standard for government-issued postage stamps of the early 20th century.