This 1972 First Day Cover features the 15¢ National Parks Centennial stamp depicting Mount McKinley (now Denali) in Alaska. The Art Craft cachet shows a dramatic view of the peak with the inscription “Highest Mountain in North America” and celebrates Mt. McKinley National Park as a natural area. The cover bears the official first-day postmark from McKinley Park, AK dated July 28, 1972.
The stamp was issued to mark the centennial of America’s national parks system. At 20,310 feet, Mount McKinley stands as the highest peak in North America, drawing explorers and conservationists since the early 20th century. The 1972 issue highlighted both the park’s scenic grandeur and the growing environmental movement of the era.
A notable detail is the Art Craft cachet’s emphasis on the mountain’s record elevation and its status as a protected natural area, tying the artwork directly to the stamp’s theme. The cover is addressed to Sepulveda, California—an area now incorporated into Los Angeles—adding a touch of mid-century postal history.
A clean, well-centered example ideal for collectors of national parks, Alaska, or Art Craft cachets. A strong addition to any topical FDC or U.S. commemorative collection.
