This Official First Day Cover bears the 13¢ Hawaii flag stamp from the Bicentennial Era series, cancelled in Washington, DC on February 23, 1976. The cachet centers on the famous statue of Kamehameha I with the Hawaiian flag and a note on Hawaii’s 1959 admission as the fiftieth state.
Kamehameha I (1758–1819) conquered and unified the Hawaiian Islands, establishing a monarchy that preserved Hawaiian independence through the turbulent 19th century. The stamp’s issuance during the national Bicentennial celebrations linked Hawaii’s story to the broader American narrative of union and sovereignty.
A notable detail is the cachet’s dual imagery: the heroic statue paired with the pre-statehood Hawaiian flag, underscoring the islands’ distinct identity within the Union. The cover is cleanly produced with sharp cancellation and fresh colors.
Collectors value this FDC for its strong topical appeal—Hawaii, royalty, statehood, and the Bicentennial—making it an attractive addition to both U.S. and worldwide collections.
