C2101

American Music

Elvis Presley “On Stage” Cachet

Collins Cover Announcement 

ELVIS PRESLEY

This new stamp was the most publicized and eagerly awaited issue in United States postal history. First there was the announcement. Then the national poll for the young or old Elvis. Then the heavy and constant promotion as the Day of Issue drew near. Anticipation hung heavy in the air all across the land. The "King" was about to make his appearance and everyone could share in the latest craze -sighting Elvis. Not only could they see him on this bright pink stamp but they could keep it as a lasting memento of this most famous and popular of all Rock and Roll performers.

As the First Day of sale dawned across the country, all of the hype resulted in staggering crowds at post offices large and small. Lines were long. Some stocks thought more than adequate were quickly sold out. Seasoned collectors scurried to get desired items. Thousands undoubtedly found themselves being new stamp and/or cover collectors. Excitement and sense of purpose prevailed everywhere and, to be sure, it was undeniably a "philatelic happening" of gigantic proportions. Lots of unknowledgeable nonsense; plenty of imaginative and genuine collectibles coming into existence; collectors and would-be collectors and the intrigued curious scurrying about like armies of crazed ants; postal employees all contributing to "make it happen"; and, the written, radio, and television press recording the whole phenomenon for history. It is my opinion that such a day for the issue of a new stamp was never seen before and most probably will never be seen again. Whether you are an Elvis fan or not really doesn't matter. The fact is that January 8, 1993 has become an important date in our hobby and the events and adventures and collectibles will all blend together to make "Elvis" one of the most popular topicals of all. The magnitude and extent of the event will ensure the desirability of Presley covers which brings us to the COLLINS Cover that I am proud to offer today.

My twin objectives were to create a truly beautiful and appropriate hand-painted cachet while at the same time producing a cover with a First Day postmark that would provide undisputable philatelic significance. The place I decided on was Elvis' hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. It was the place of his roots and beginning as opposed to Memphis which has become known as the place of his decline and end. The public voted overwhelmingly for the young Elvis and my COLLINS First Day Cover has both a cachet and cancel reflecting his exciting youth. There were many, many special pictorial and slogan cancels available on this day. Big and small. Artful and crude. Good and bad. All of this is good because the variety of postmarks will add to the Elvis collecting potential. Lots of material. I decided early on that my Elvis would best be served with a good, solid real postmark. And so, I opted for a double bullseye with killer bars. It's the same cancel that a regular letter could have received if it was mailed from Tupelo on January 8th. It will absolutely and positively ensure that this COLLINS will always be sought by First Day Cover and Elvis collectors. That it will always be in demand on the open market once I am sold out. It is so because these covers were actually in Tupelo on the Day of Issue and they each have the real Tupelo postmark with killer bars. No fluff or pretense but rather the "solid and real philatelic thing".

The hand-painted cachet is a distinctive one and you won't find another quite like it. Elvis is on stage during a performance. Out of the pitch black background behind him glare the multicolored brightness of five different spotlights. Red. Blue. Orange. Purple. Yellow. Each intense color combining with the others to cast Elvis in a rainbow of direct and reflected lighting. The "King" is presented as pure Presley. The long, combed-back hair. The prominent and ever-present guitar. Most importantly this cachet captures the Elvis "look" with that glaring but wistful stare of the eyes and his up-turned lip smile that any fan will immediately recognize. This COLLINS once again puts Elvis in front of his audience and this time it's forever.

Please do not delay in ordering your cover. You might want to consider an extra or two as a gift idea or to put away for future sale or trade. If you remember the frenzy across the nation on that day, you will quickly conclude that the COLLINS Elvis Presley First Day Cover is always going to be an important collectible. Don't miss out.

A brightly colored stamp with large text hand-painted to coordinate with the stamp itself. A solid, real First Day postmark obtained on actual issue date in Tupelo, Mississippi. A hand-painted cachet that captures the essence of this unsurpassed legend of Rock and roll. The young Elvis Presley. The King. Item #C2101. $10.00.

Summer 2020 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 18 C2101 — Elvis Presley 1-8-93

This stamp for "The King" was a national first day of issue release and was available at all post offices across the country. Friend Hank was doing this cover in Tupelo, Mississippi while I was doing the C2102 cancel variety in Bearsville, New York. Tupelo was the hometown of Elvis and is where he grew up. My "Elvis" stamp covers sold out quite quickly. The postmark is a nice double circle with killer bars. The hand painted cachet depicts a young Elvis on stage with multi-colored spotlights. This is a very desirable Collins and rarely appears for sale.

Spring 2023 Mail Sale Commentary

Lot 31 C2101 — Elvis Presley — "On Stage" (1-8-93)

This hand painted cachet really captures "The King" during his prime. Colored spotlights shine behind him and highlight the essence of the Elvis magic on stage. The large new stamp has the day of issue postmark from Tupelo, Mississippi. This is a wonderful cover if you need it for your collection.