U1201s

Ratification of the Constitution

Pennsylvania

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

PENNSYLVANIA STATEHOOD

The hand-painted cachet depicts many of the things associated with the state. The wildlife species chosen for Pennsylvania is the black bear -- many of which roam the vast unpopulated forests of the state. What appears as a log cabin is, in fact, the site of the first oil well in the United States. Also, with an energy theme, a railroad car is loaded with newly mined coal. A Pennsylvania Dutch couple is representative of the many peoples of the state who sustain on an earlier way of life on productive and well maintained family farms. From the colonial times, a tri-cornered hat sits above Ben Franklin's glasses and the clock tower of Independence Hall stands tall. Finally, a cannon and Union Army private's cap remind us of the role the Keystone State played in the Civil War.

The cover has two stamps -- one canceled at the official city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the other at the B. Free Franklin Colonial Post Office in the unofficial city of Philadelphia -- home of the Continental Congress. Item #U1201. $7.75

Autumn 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 23 U1201 — Pennsylvania — Bicentennial of Statehood — 8/26/87

Delve into the make-up of this amazing Collins First Day Cover, and I think you will agree that it has a wonderful story. The stamp depicting Independence Hall was issued in the state capital of Harrisburg on August 26, 1987 which was the 200th birthday of the Keystone State. The official first day of issue small bullseye cancel is at lower left. I then traveled to our Declaration of Independence city, Philadelphia, where I visited the vintage historic post office to obtain the "B. Free Franldin" signature postmark done in colonial format, also on the stamp's issue date. This cover is a philatelic bicentennial certification from the colony to state where America was officially born. Awesome. Also, to be considered are the hand painted cachet features. The large "Bicentennial of Statehood" letters to the upper left are individually hand painted — a different color for each state. Pennsylvania is a vibrant blue. The detailed cachet to lower right has a border that matches in the same blue. Images of the state include Ben Franklin's glasses, a soldier's tricornered hat, a railroad car of coal, a Civil War cannon, a black bear representing the diverse wildlife, and the steeple of Independence hall. In a recent sale, the Delaware cover went for $86. I think this one may go higher due to the state's historical importance and the fact that there are more Pennsylvania Collins collectors who might covet this lovely statehood cover.