G2001

Voyages of Columbus

Seeking Queen Isabella’s Support

Collins Cover Announcement 

FIRST VOYAGE OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS 

Rarely has there been an occasion of more historical significance celebrated on United States postage stamps than the 500th Anniversary of Columbus setting foot in the Western Hemisphere in 1492. Other claims have been put forth. Most notably and with the most credence -- the Vikings. Of late, I've heard that the Chinese and Irish monks are also contenders. And others. But the fact remains that Christopher Columbus was the one documented as the first non-native landing in the Americas and he deserves his rightful place forever in the history of mankind.

Of all the COLLINS Covers done in 1992, my Columbus items will certainly rank among the finest. Realizing the momentous anniversary of five hundred years as a magnificent milestone, I wanted my FDCs to mark the occasion in fine fashion. As collectors will discover, I feel that I've obtained that goal. It is IMPORTANT to note that the four 29-cent stamps of the set are entirely different items from my Columbus souvenir sheet of sixteen covers that were issued a month later.

The Inspiration/Seeking Queen Isabella's Support 

The "entire" hand-painted cachet shows a pensive Columbus sitting at his desk gazing out to the harbor. A map is unfurled on his desk and a rudimentary globe sits to one side. His thoughtful expression shows him deep in thought. Perhaps one could reach the East by sailing west. A stellar COLLINS cachet. The 29-cent stamp on this cover depicts Columbus seeking the Queen's support. The Inspiration. Item G2001 $10.50