1948 Discovery of Gold in California #954

This is a First Day of Issue envelope commemorating the centennial of the discovery of gold in California, featuring a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1948. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists and history enthusiasts, celebrating the pivotal event that sparked the California Gold Rush in 1848, led by James Wilson Marshall at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California.

**Product Description:**

- **Title:** Centennial of the Discovery of Gold in California First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** January 24, 1948
- **Location of Issue:** Coloma, California (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Jan 24, 1948)
- **Stamp Included:** 
  - A single 3-cent U.S. postage stamp titled "Centennial California Gold Discovery at Sutter’s Mill, Coloma 1848-1948."
  - The stamp features an illustration of James Marshall panning for gold at Sutter’s Mill, with a background that includes trees and the mill itself. The stamp is in a purple color, with the text "U.S. Postage 3¢" printed on it.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
  - The left side of the envelope features a detailed black-and-white illustration of James Wilson Marshall kneeling by a stream, panning for gold, with Sutter’s Mill and trees in the background, capturing the historic moment of the gold discovery.
  - The text "DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN CALIFORNIA" is prominently displayed at the top, setting the theme of the commemoration.
  - Below the illustration, the text "JAMES WILSON MARSHALL DISCOVERED GOLD AT SUTTER’S MILL, COLOMA, CALIFORNIA 1848" provides historical context for the event.
  - The text "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" is printed at the top and bottom left, indicating the envelope's collectible status.
  - A small signature, likely from the cachet designer (possibly ArtCraft, a common producer of such envelopes), is visible near the illustration.
- **Postmark:** 
  - A circular postmark reads "Coloma, Calif., Jan 24, 9:00 AM, 1948," marking the official first day of issue for this stamp.
- **Additional Markings:** 
  - The text "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" is printed to the right of the stamp, reinforcing the envelope's significance as a philatelic item.
  - The envelope is addressed in handwritten text to "Mr. Everett Deisen, 29 Hawthorne St., White Plains, N.Y.," indicating it was mailed as part of the commemorative event.
- **Condition:** The envelope appears to be in good condition, typical of a well-preserved collectible from the late 1940s, with some minor signs of aging such as slight discoloration around the edges (based on the image provided).

This First Day of Issue envelope is a piece of postal and historical significance, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of gold in California, an event that transformed the state and the nation by triggering the California Gold Rush. It serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection, historical memorabilia, or a keepsake for those interested in the history of the American West and the Gold Rush era.