C102pm

Americana Sandy Hook Lighthouse

C101 & C102 — Sandy Hook Lighthouse with Postmaster Signature — extremely rare 

Sandy Hook Lighthouse was only the third first day cover that Fred produced. The hand-painted cachet shows the very attractive lighthouse enclosed by a gold border. In addition to obtaining postmarks in Atlantic City, the official city of issue, Fred also had each cover canceled in Highlands, NJ - the closest post office to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. These two lots are very special as each one was signed by the Highlands Postmaster. Only one C101 and one C102 received that signature. Please look at the color sheet to see these very rare Collins covers.

Winter 2021 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 1 C102 — Sandy Hook Lighthouse — A very rare Collins Variety — only 21 exist.

This is only the third stamp issue that I serviced. The 100 covers with the Sandy Hook Lighthouse cachet are the fewest, along with the Fort Nisqually, that I've done to date. Of the 100 produced, 79 (C101) have the "first day of issue" slogan cancel from Atlantic City, New Jersey. This cover is exceedingly rare as only 21 were serviced with the magnificent sailing ship pictorial first day of issue postmark. An additional single is canceled on day of issue at the closest post office to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in Highlands, New Jersey. This is about two hours north of Atlantic City. One of only 21 C102s in existence.

Summer 2026 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 43 C102 — Sandy Hook Lighthouse — 4/14/78 — 

This FDC also has the very nice circular Highlands, NJ hand cancel on the lower right-hand corner stamp. Additionally, it has a magnificent sailing ship pictorial first day of issue postmark from Atlantic City, NJ on a pair Lighthouse stamps with plate number. It's a beauty! And it also has the very readable signature of Charles E. O'Keefe, Jr., Postmaster. Fred only made 21 of this Lighthouse variety. However, this is the only C102 cover that exists with the signature of the postmaster.