N2201

Love

Heart

Collins Cover Announcement

SUNRISE LOVE 

"Error Cover"

Over the years since 1978 my record of error-free cachets has been pretty good. That record may just enhance the collecting status of my "goof" on this one and turn it into a positive rather than a negative.

The "Sunrise Love" stamp was issued in Loveland, Ohio on January 27th of this year. The First Day postmark is correct and so far, so good. For the cachet (which I'll describe in a moment) I chose an 1890's sunrise love setting -- so far, so good. But now comes my error. On February 14th, two other Love stamps were to be issued in Niagara Falls, New York. Somehow (it must have been a late night), I used Niagara Falls and February 14th for the text part of this cachet rather than January 27th and Loveland.

Since the stamp and postmark are both correct, it certainly is a valid First Day Cover from a philatelic stand-point. It will definitely be needed in COLLINS collections. It will definitely be an interesting piece for "Love" collections. And, here's the kicker -- because my cachets are consistently correct, the fact that this one contains an obvious mistake, it might (and I suspect it will) make this COLLINS more desirable and collectible than if it were error-free. It could become known as the "COLLINS Love Error FDC" and this is the way I'll list it on my Price List.

For the hand-painted cachet I decided to travel back in time to the 1890's. It is dawn in a wide and expansive woodland meadow. The sun is about to rise above the tree line. A quiet stream meanders through the tall grass. In the foreground, a couple enjoys the tranquil moment still dressed from the night before. She in a long lavendar dress with matching hat. He in a jacket and tie. Their attire attests as to how the night has quickly slipped by. She sits on the grass amid red wildflowers with her head resting on a lavendar pillow placed on an oaken stump. He sits on a large rock by the flowing stream and serenades her with a mandolin. Young love from a more innocent time.

An unusual offering due to my text error. Sunrise Love. Item #N2201. $10.75.