1951 Colorado Statehood #1001

This is a First Day of Issue envelope commemorating the 75th anniversary of Colorado's statehood, featuring a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1951. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists, celebrating Colorado's admission to the Union in 1876 as the "Centennial State," with a focus on its historical significance and state symbols.

**Product Description:**

- **Title:** 75th Anniversary of Colorado Statehood First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** August 1, 1951
- **Location of Issue:** Minturn, Colorado (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Aug 1, 1951)
- **Stamp Included:** 
  - A single 3-cent U.S. postage stamp titled "75th Anniversary Colorado Statehood 1876-1951."
  - The stamp features an illustration of the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver, with the "Freedom" statue (a cowboy on horseback) on top of the capitol dome, set against a mountainous background. The stamp is in a blue-gray color, with the text "U.S. Postage 3¢" printed on it.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
  - The left side of the envelope features a colorful design in red, white, and blue, incorporating elements of the Colorado state flag, including the circular red "C" with a gold center and blue and white stripes.
  - At the center of the design is the Colorado state seal, which includes symbols like a pickaxe, hammer, and the state motto "Nil Sine Numine" (Nothing Without Providence), along with the years "1876" and "1951" to mark the anniversary.
  - The text "STATE OF COLORADO CENTENNIAL SILVER" is printed within the seal, referencing Colorado's nickname as the "Centennial State" (admitted in 1876, the centennial year of the U.S.) and its silver mining history.
  - A star with "38" inside it signifies Colorado as the 38th state to join the Union.
  - The text "COLORADO 75TH ANNIVERSARY" is prominently displayed below, with "1876" and "1951" on either side, emphasizing the anniversary timeline.
  - The cachet is credited to "Cachet Craft / Washington D.C.," a known producer of philatelic envelopes, as noted in the bottom left corner.
- **Postmark:** 
  - A circular postmark reads "Minturn, Colo., Aug 1, 9:00 AM, 1951," 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 to "Carolyn Gerhart, 326 Miller Street, Reading, Pennsylvania," 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 early 1950s, 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 history that celebrates Colorado's 75 years as a state, highlighting its state symbols, history, and the significance of its admission to the Union. It serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection or a historical keepsake for those interested in Colorado history or mid-20th-century Americana.