I2401

Legends of Hollywood

Marilyn Monroe 

Collins Cover Announcement 

MARILYN MONROE

A special Monroe, New York First Day pictorial postmark gives this COLLINS Cover excellent philatelic significance. It features three stars and has a slogan text that reads "Legends of Hollywood -- Happy Birthday Station". It was a big occasion in the small village of Monroe and the town officials went all out for the event. They even had a Marilyn impersonator. I'm not absolutely sure that I was the only cachetmaker to get this super First Day postmark, but I may have been. I know there weren't many (if any) others and with the village name of "Monroe" it just makes a great cancel.

On July 19, 1946 Marilyn was given a screen test at 20th Century Fox Studios. From it, Darryl F. Zanuck signed her to a contract and she went on to a remarkable career. Not content to be considered just a sex symbol, she worked hard to develop into a fine actress. Some of her big film hits included Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Some Like it Hot; The Misfits; How to Marry a Millionaire; and, The Seven Year Itch. She typified the glamour of Hollywood in its Golden Age.

Marilyn was born June 1, 1926 as Norma Jean Baker in Los Angeles. The June 1st issue date was her Birthday. I was serving in Vietnam in 1962 when I learned of her death. It was unexpected and shocking news and I think being so far from home in a hostile environment magnified the memory of that moment in my mind.

My hand-painted cachet is bold and straight-forward. A large portrait drapes around the large postmark area. In the background is the familiar hillside "Hollywood" sign.

The stamp is the first in a new series called the "Legends of Hollywood". Future issues will showcase stars who made a major impact on the development of American films. A true legend was chosen to adorn the first stamp in this sure to be popular series -- Marilyn Monroe. Item #I2401. $10.75.

Spring 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 22 I2401 — Marilyn Monroe 

The cachet has a large portrait of the glamorous film star. The first day postmark is a pictorial from Monroe, New York. It will be difficult to acquire as time goes on.