Z201

Coral Reefs

Brain Coral, Elkhorn Coral, Chalice Coral, Finger Cora

Collins Cover Announcement 

CORAL REEFS

Beautiful St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, First Day site of the issue that may prove to be the most attractive of all 1980 COLLINS FDCs. The hand painted cachet done in very vivid water colors shows the underwater realm of coral and tropical fish.

The trip itself was beautiful, and I enjoyed the previous afternoon down by the picturesque harbor at Charlotte Amalie. Everyone was very friendly, and the historic city was a delight to visit. On the narrow streets, shops abounded with wares from all corners of the globe.

For my second cancel, I chose Coral Gables, Florida because of the obvious name link and also because one of the stamps depicts Florida coral. The unofficial cancel ties both pairs to the cover. This is a lovely FDC, and I hope you will add it to your collection.

Item 4Z201 - One pair canceled "First Day of Issue" Charlotte Amalie, opposite pair unofficial hand cancel from Coral Gables, Florida, tying both pairs to cover. Vivid hand painted cachet.$6.95

Spring 2017 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 5 Z201 — Coral Reefs

My trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to service this cover is related in my book on pages 38 and 39. I did have to scramble a bit to find several people to help me put the stamps on, but that's part of the story. Two of the colorful stamps were postmarked at the Charlotte Amalie, VI Post Office. Then, it was on to Coral Gables, FL for a terrific "related" first day magenta cancel. A wonderful philatelic bonus about this second postmark is that it ties both the second pair and the original pair from the Virgin Islands to the envelope.

The hand painted cachet showing both coral and tropical fish is colorful, bright, and vivid and complements the stamps perfectly.