I was digging through a couple junk boxes in the basement, and found this - a 1973 Bicentennial First Day Cover. I don't remember how or why I acquired it (probably when I was a kid, and collecting stamps), but it's kind of cool, and has a little "history" lesson on the cards. And, since there's a medal involved, close enough to a coin for this discussion! Not looking to sell, but does anyone know where this might have come from, and/or whether there's any kind of interest/value in such things?
I don't know who made them but probably the US MINt due to the reverse emblems. they sell on eBay, amazon, etc from $5 to $15 they had them for the 4 years from 1972 running up to 1976 - picture from etsy The back of the envelope has the Dept of Treasury emblem on it. So I think they were sold by the US Postal during their stamps and medals stuff they sold. 1972 1973 1974
I believe they were made by the US mint. They made several different ones from 1973 to 1976 each depicting key figures and events leading to the Declaration of Independence.
Apparently, the medals were issued in more than one format. I have the medals issued in airtites and housed in individual, clamshell-styled cases made in leather (leatherette?). There were also National Bicentennial Medals issued showing the Great Seal of the United States on one side and the Statue of Liberty on the other side. These were produced in gold, gold plate and silver and were housed in the same fashion. ~ Chris
When I was a kid, I collected stamps and coins. Can't recall how/when/where/why I got this one, but it must have satisfied my lust for both coins and stamps!
I've got a few of these first day covers........not worth a devil of a lot, but they are collectible.
I used to buy the "Space" stamp collection stuff. I have them all stored away on a container here or there along with my MatchBox/HotWheels.
I remember the "Space" ones, too! I think I might even still have them packed away somewhere (I have one stamp album in a box somewhere)! HotWheels - not so much. As kids, we used them, and destroyed them!
I had my destroyed cars and nicer ones. I used to use my mom's fingernail polish to repaint the ones all chipped up and stuff. I also painted my pocket change too (unbeknownst causing future grief for newbie collectors thinking they were all mint errors)
