M2101

Great Americans

Thomas Jefferson - President

Collins Cover Announcement 

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Great American Series

This stamp was issued to honor the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Mr. Jefferson. He served as the third President of the United States and had begun his forty year political career in 1769 when he entered the Virginia Colonial Legislature. In 1776 Tom Jefferson was appointed to draft a formal statement setting forth the reasons why the colonies were going to break away from Great Britain. That document was the Declaration of Independence.

As President, he acquired the Louisiana Purchase which nearly doubled the size of the country. He was a noted inventor, writer, architect, and agriculturalist. He established the University of Virginia and is known as the Father of that Institution. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 -- the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Truly he was a great patriot, statesman and founding father who helped start our fledgling nation down the path of greatness.

My hand-painted "entire" cachet features a large oval portrait of Jefferson. To the upper left is a parchment-like tribute to the Declaration of Independence. To the right of the portrait and covering most of the envelope is a very nice and detailed rendition of his home -- Monticello. The red brick and white-trimmed building is set among trees and lawns. The entire cachet design is very dignified and a fitting tribute to this great American.

The new stamp has a First Day of Issue bullseye cancel from Charlottesville, Virginia -- site of Monticello and the Universy which he founded. A fine, historic FDC paying tribute to the man who was born two hundred, fifty years ago on April 13, 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia. Thomas Jefferson. Item #M2101. $10.75.

I just wanted to add a couple of notes.

1. 1993 Federal Duck - The painting of this year's COLLINS Duck FDC has taken a long time but if you're waiting for it you will be rewarded with one of the best ever. They're almost done and will start going out soon.

2. The enclosed write-ups represent what makes our stamp/FDC hobby so great. The U.S./Soviet space issue is a terrific topical item and certainly is timely for the current unfolding of world events. The Thomas Jefferson commemorates a great American and patriot who contributed so much to the roots and foundation of our country -- and a "president" item is always popular. The New Year stamp is a "first" for the Postal Service and the rooster brings it into the animal topical category. A really nice mix of attractive COLLINS collectibles.

3. If you're going to be driving on Halloween, take care and watch out for the little ghosts and goblins along the roadway.