1976 Mali First Day Cover, featuring a single stamp and an illustration of the Liberty Bell and an eagle, commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial.

Key Points

• This product is a 1976 Mali First Day Cover, featuring a single stamp and an illustration of the Liberty Bell and an eagle, commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial.
• It includes a 100-franc stamp depicting the Liberty Bell and an eagle, postmarked on May 24, 1976, in Bamako, Mali.
• The cover, titled "Symbols of America’s Freedom," is a tribute by the Republic of Mali to the United States on its 200th anniversary of independence (1776–1976).
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $15, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1976 Mali First Day Cover is a philatelic item honoring the U.S. Bicentennial, marking 200 years of American independence. Featuring a blue illustration of the Liberty Bell and an eagle, along with a 100-franc stamp, this cover reflects Mali’s tribute to the "Symbols of America’s Freedom." It’s a perfect addition for collectors of U.S. history, international philately, and Bicentennial memorabilia, offering a unique perspective on global recognition of America’s milestone.

Historical Context

The U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 was a global celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with numerous countries issuing stamps and covers to honor the occasion. Mali, a West African nation that gained independence from France in 1960, participated in this international tribute, reflecting the diplomatic ties and goodwill between nations during the Cold War era. The 1976 issuance of this first day cover, postmarked in Bamako, Mali’s capital, aligns with a period of growing international engagement for Mali, as it sought to strengthen its global presence while celebrating shared values of freedom and independence.

Collectible Value

First day covers from the U.S. Bicentennial are popular among collectors for their historical significance and the variety of international perspectives they offer. This Mali cover, with its clear postmark, thematic illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $15, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its focus on the Bicentennial, combined with its issuance by a less common postal authority like Mali, enhances its appeal to collectors of both U.S. history and international philately.

Unexpected Detail: Mali’s Independence Parallels

An interesting aspect of this cover is the parallel between Mali’s and the U.S.’s struggles for independence. Mali gained independence from France in 1960, just 16 years before this cover was issued, and its celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial reflects a shared understanding of the fight for freedom. Mali’s first president, Modibo Keïta, emphasized pan-African unity and self-determination, values that resonate with the American Revolution’s ideals. This cover, issued during Mali’s early years as an independent nation, symbolizes that connection, highlighting the global resonance of the U.S. independence narrative.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1976 Mali U.S. Bicentennial First Day Cover

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1976 Mali First Day Cover, exploring its features, historical context, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that celebrates the U.S. Bicentennial, making it a valuable piece for collectors of both U.S. history and international stamps.

Product Description and Features

The 1976 Mali First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial, titled "Symbols of America’s Freedom – A Tribute to the United States of America on its Bicentennial – Republic of Mali." The cover features a blue illustration of the Liberty Bell, a prominent symbol of American independence, with an eagle perched atop it, holding a ribbon in its beak. The eagle, another iconic American symbol, is depicted with spread wings, adding a sense of majesty to the design. The text "First Day Cover" is printed in red at the top left, alongside the title in red and blue.

Affixed to the cover is a single 100-franc stamp, depicting the same imagery as the cachet: the Liberty Bell with an eagle above it, set against a background of red, white, and blue stripes. The stamp is labeled "République du Mali," "Bicentenaire des U.S.A. 1776-1976," and "100 F," with "Cartor" credited as the printer. The stamp is postmarked with a circular cancellation reading "Premier Jour – 24 Mai 1976 – Bamako," confirming its first day of issue status. The cover’s condition appears excellent, with no visible tears, stains, or creases, preserving its visual and collectible value.

Historical Significance and Context

The U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 was a global celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776. Many countries issued stamps and first day covers to honor the occasion, reflecting the international impact of America’s independence and the shared values of freedom and self-determination. Mali, a West African nation that gained independence from France in 1960, participated in this tribute, issuing a stamp that highlights two enduring symbols of American freedom: the Liberty Bell and the eagle.

The Liberty Bell, originally cast in 1752, became a symbol of American independence after it was rung to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Its famous crack and inscription, "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof" (Leviticus 25:10), have made it an enduring emblem of freedom. The eagle, often depicted as a bald eagle, has been a national symbol of the U.S. since 1782, representing strength, courage, and freedom. The issuance of this first day cover on May 24, 1976, in Bamako, Mali’s capital, reflects Mali’s participation in the global celebration, as well as its diplomatic goodwill toward the U.S. during a period of Cold War dynamics, when alliances and international relations were carefully cultivated.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers from the U.S. Bicentennial are popular among collectors for their historical significance and the variety of international perspectives they offer. The 1976 Mali cover, with its clear postmark, thematic illustration, and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $15, based on market trends for similar items. For example, Bicentennial first day covers from smaller nations like Mali often sell on platforms like eBay or through stamp dealers in this price range, with variations depending on condition, rarity, and the popularity of the theme. The cover’s focus on the Bicentennial, combined with its issuance by a less common postal authority, enhances its appeal to collectors of both U.S. history and international philately.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The 100-franc stamp on the cover is part of a 1976 Mali series issued for the U.S. Bicentennial. The stamp depicts the Liberty Bell with an eagle perched above it, holding a ribbon in its beak, set against a background of red, white, and blue stripes symbolizing the American flag. The stamp is labeled "République du Mali," "Bicentenaire des U.S.A. 1776-1976," and "100 F," with "Cartor" credited as the printer. The design uses a blue and white color scheme for the eagle and bell, with the red, white, and blue stripes adding a patriotic touch. The 100-franc denomination reflects a higher postal rate, likely intended for international or airmail postage in 1976. The stamp’s placement on the cover, along with the clear Bamako postmark, enhances the item’s philatelic appeal.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

This cover is similar to the 1976 Mauritania U.S. Bicentennial First Day Cover you previously provided, which also honored the Bicentennial but focused on Revolutionary War soldiers (valued at $5–$15). This Mali cover, with its focus on symbolic imagery rather than historical figures, offers a different perspective, appealing to collectors interested in American iconography. Compared to other Bicentennial memorabilia, such as U.S.-issued covers or commemorative coins, this Mali cover provides a unique international perspective. A U.S. Bicentennial coin might fetch $10–$50, while this cover offers a more affordable way to own a piece of the celebration. Its issuance by Mali also makes it a rarer find compared to more common U.S.-produced Bicentennial items.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Mali’s Independence Parallels

An intriguing aspect of this cover is the parallel between Mali’s and the U.S.’s struggles for independence. Mali gained independence from France in 1960, just 16 years before this cover was issued, and its celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial reflects a shared understanding of the fight for freedom. Mali’s first president, Modibo Keïta, emphasized pan-African unity and self-determination, values that resonate with the American Revolution’s ideals of liberty and independence. During the 1970s, Mali was navigating its post-independence identity, and this cover, issued during that formative period, symbolizes a connection between the two nations’ histories, highlighting the global resonance of the U.S. independence narrative.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1976 Mali U.S. Bicentennial First Day Cover is a historically significant collectible that celebrates the 200th anniversary of American independence through iconic symbols of freedom. Its thematic illustration, clear postmark, and connection to the global celebration of the Bicentennial make it a standout piece for collectors of U.S. history and international philately. Whether you’re interested in American iconography, the U.S. Bicentennial, or global diplomacy, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting Mali’s tribute to the "Symbols of America’s Freedom" and the shared ideals of independence.