1968, Voyage of the Nonsuch First Day Cover Canada – Canadian Exploration & Fur Trade History

Key Points

• What the product is: Canada 5-cent commemorative stamp (Scott #482) affixed to a colorful First Day Cover envelope, likely a private or official cacheted design (H & E noted).
• Theme or topic: Centennial of Confederation / Exploration series – tribute to the Voyage of the Nonsuch in 1668, the historic expedition that led to the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company and opened western Canada to fur trade.
• Issue date and place of postmark: June 5, 1968, postmarked in Ottawa, Ontario (the capital and official first-day cancellation site).
• Historical or cultural relevance: Marks the 300th anniversary of the ketch Nonsuch's perilous voyage into Hudson Bay, which proved the viability of direct fur trading and resulted in the 1670 charter of the Hudson's Bay Company—pivotal in Canadian economic and colonial history.
• Estimated value or range: Similar 1968 Canadian First Day Covers for this issue typically range from $2–$10, with clean, unaddressed examples often $4–$8; thematic maritime or exploration collectors may value it higher.

Product Overview: Voyage of the Nonsuch Stamp Design and Overview

This 1968 Voyage of the Nonsuch First Day Cover features a striking 5¢ stamp in multicolored design: the sturdy ketch Nonsuch sailing through icy northern waters, with dramatic waves, icebergs, and a dramatic sky—evoking the harsh Arctic adventure. The text reads "1668 Voyage of the Nonsuch" and bilingual "Voyage du Nonsuch," with the denomination prominently displayed.

The cachet is a bold blue circular illustration of the Nonsuch under full sail amid waves and clouds, framed in a classic maritime style, with additional text honoring the voyage in English and French. The overall theme celebrates Canadian exploration, resilience, and the fur trade era.

Canadian stamp collectors, maritime history enthusiasts, fur trade specialists, and fans of early North American exploration will appreciate this cover for its vivid nautical imagery, historical accuracy, and bilingual tribute—perfect for vintage Canadian First Day Cover collections focused on exploration, Hudson's Bay Company, or Confederation-era commemoratives.

Historical Context

In 1668, French explorers Médard Chouart des Groseilliers and Pierre-Esprit Radisson, frustrated by New France's trade restrictions, partnered with English backers. The Nonsuch, captained by Zachariah Gillam, sailed from England on June 3, 1668, enduring storms (its sister ship Eaglet turned back) and reached Hudson Bay. The successful fur-trading voyage returned with rich cargo, leading to the 1670 royal charter for the Hudson's Bay Company—the oldest continuously operating company in the world and a cornerstone of Canadian western expansion.

Issued in 1968 amid Canada's ongoing Confederation centennial celebrations (1967 marked the 100th anniversary), the stamp reflected national pride in exploration heritage during a time of cultural reflection and northern development interest.

Collectible Value

As a classic Canadian commemorative stamp from the late 1960s, this Voyage of the Nonsuch First Day Cover offers solid appeal for philatelists. The stamp alone (Scott #482) is common and inexpensive ($0.20–$1 mint), but cacheted First Day Covers add artistic and historical value—typically $4–$10 depending on condition, cachet quality, and whether addressed.

Ideal for Canadian philately collectors, maritime history buffs, Hudson's Bay Company enthusiasts, exploration thematic specialists, and those building vintage Canadian or fur trade collections.

Unexpected or Notable Detail

The cachet's circular blue design cleverly frames the Nonsuch like a medal or emblem, symbolizing the voyage's lasting legacy as a "founding" achievement for British/Canadian fur interests in the North—often overlooked is the bilingual emphasis ("Voyage du Nonsuch" and "Jour d'Émission") highlighting Canada's official duality. The Ottawa postmark ties it to the national capital, while the H & E cachet signature adds a personal touch from a classic Canadian cachetmaker, enhancing provenance for serious collectors.

Meta Description (for Shopify): "Discover the 1968 Voyage of the Nonsuch First Day Cover – 5¢ Canada stamp honoring historic exploration. Vintage collectible! Shop now. #Nonsuch #StampCollecting"

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