This First Day Cover bears the 13¢ Massachusetts stamp from the State Flags series, postmarked on its official first day of issue, February 23, 1976, in Washington, DC. The cachet features a detailed illustration of the Massachusetts State House in Boston along with the state seal and the notation “6th State · February 6, 1788.”
Massachusetts played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and was the sixth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788. Issued during the national Bicentennial celebrations, the stamp and cachet together commemorate both the state’s founding contributions and the 200th anniversary of American independence.
A notable detail is the inclusion of the full state seal beneath the State House drawing, reproducing the Latin motto “Sigillum Reipublicae Massachusettsensis” and the traditional Native American figure with sword—elements rarely shown together on a single cachet.
Collectors will appreciate the clean Washington, DC postmark and the attractive blue-and-gold color scheme that complements the 13¢ stamp’s design, making this an appealing addition to any state-flag, Bicentennial, or Massachusetts topical collection.
