1959 Champion of Liberty Lajos Kossuth Hungarian Statesman .08 Cents

This is a First Day of Issue envelope from the "Champions of Liberty" series, featuring a U.S. postage stamp honoring Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian statesman and freedom fighter. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists, commemorating Kossuth's contributions to liberty and his visit to the United States, issued in 1958.

**Product Description:**

- **Title:** Champions of Liberty – Lajos Kossuth First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** September 19, 1958
- **Location of Issue:** Washington, D.C. (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Sep 19, 1958)
- **Stamp Included:** 
  - A single 8-cent U.S. postage stamp from the Champions of Liberty series, titled "Champion of Liberty, Lajos Kossuth, Hungarian Statesman."
  - The stamp features a portrait of Lajos Kossuth, depicted in traditional attire, with a background that includes a red, white, and blue ribbon design symbolizing liberty. The stamp is in a brown and red color scheme, with the text "United States Postage 8¢" printed on it.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
  - The left side of the envelope features a detailed black-and-white portrait of Lajos Kossuth, matching the image on the stamp, showing him with a beard and in period clothing.
  - Below the portrait, there is a small map highlighting Hungary, Kossuth's homeland, with surrounding regions faintly outlined.
  - The text "CHAMPION OF LIBERTY LAJOS KOSSUTH 1802-1894" is prominently displayed, providing historical context for Kossuth's life and legacy.
  - The denomination "8¢" is printed near the portrait, matching the stamp's value.
  - The text "First Day of Issue" is printed at the top and bottom left, indicating the envelope's collectible status.
  - A small signature or logo, likely from the cachet designer (possibly ArtCraft, a common producer of such envelopes), is visible near the map.
- **Postmark:** 
  - A circular postmark reads "Washington, D.C., Sep 19, 9:00 AM, 1958," 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.
  - There is a faint outline of a shield-like emblem over the stamp, possibly part of the postmark or an additional cancellation design.
- **Condition:** The envelope appears to be in good condition, typical of a well-preserved collectible from the late 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 from the Champions of Liberty series, which honored international figures who fought for freedom. Lajos Kossuth, a leader of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49, is celebrated for his advocacy for democracy and independence. This envelope serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection or a historical keepsake for those interested in international history, the fight for liberty, or mid-20th-century U.S. postal commemorations.