J102

Americana Fort McHenry Flag

With 1948 Francis Scott Key  stamp

Autum 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 32 J102 — Fort McHenry Flag — 6/30/78

This is an extremely early Collins having been created about 3 months after I started in 1978. It is a lovely cover to look at with red tones throughout, making it beautiful. From a philatelic perspective it is a gem. A single with plate number PLUS a coil pair have the Baltimore first day of issue slogan cancel. Another single, PLUS another coil pair PLUS the 3-cent carmine red Francis Scott Key stamp have magenta first day of issue postmarks from Washington, DC. The hand painted cachet within a red border shows Fort McHenry with "Bombs Bursting in Air" and a large Old Glory waving proudly.

This is the very first Collins "combo" and only 75 were produced.