1976 Mauritania First Day Cover, featuring two stamps and an illustration commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial.

Key Points

• This product is a 1976 Mauritania First Day Cover, featuring two stamps and an illustration commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial.
• It includes two stamps (8 UM and 10 UM) depicting American Revolutionary War soldiers, postmarked on January 20, 1976, in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
• The cover, titled "Mauritania Salutes the Fighters for America's Freedoms," celebrates the 200th anniversary of American independence (1776–1976).
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $15, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1976 Mauritania First Day Cover is a philatelic item honoring the U.S. Bicentennial, marking 200 years of American independence. Featuring an illustration of an eagle with a shield and two stamps depicting American Revolutionary War soldiers, this cover reflects Mauritania’s tribute to the "Fighters for America’s Freedoms." 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 many countries issuing stamps and covers to honor the occasion. Mauritania, 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 Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital, aligns with a period of growing international engagement for the country, as it sought to establish its presence on the global stage while celebrating a shared value of 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 Mauritania 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 Mauritania, enhances its appeal to collectors of both U.S. history and international philately.

Unexpected Detail: Mauritania’s Role in U.S. Diplomacy

An interesting aspect of this cover is its reflection of Mauritania’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. during the 1970s. Mauritania was one of the first African nations to establish formal ties with the U.S. after its independence in 1960, and by 1976, the two countries maintained a cooperative relationship, particularly in areas like trade and development. This cover, issued during the Bicentennial, symbolizes that goodwill, as Mauritania joined other nations in celebrating America’s milestone, highlighting the global resonance of the U.S. independence narrative.

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

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1976 Mauritania 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 Mauritania First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial, titled "Mauritania Salutes the Fighters for America’s Freedoms." The cover features a yellow and green illustration of an eagle with a shield, symbolizing American strength and independence, with the years "1776" and "1976" on either side. The text "First Day Cover" is printed in green at the bottom left, alongside a yellow square.

Affixed to the cover are two stamps, each depicting American Revolutionary War soldiers:

• 8 UM Stamp: Shows a soldier in a blue and red uniform with a tricorn hat, labeled "Fantassin de la Légion de Lauzun" (Infantryman of the Lauzun Legion), a French unit that supported the American Revolution.
• 10 UM Stamp: Depicts a soldier in a green uniform with a rifle, labeled "Garçons de la Montagne Verte" (Boys of the Green Mountain), referring to the Green Mountain Boys, a militia led by Ethan Allen during the Revolution.

Both stamps include the Mauritanian flag, the text "Bicentenaire des États-Unis 1776-1976" (Bicentennial of the United States 1776-1976), and Arabic script at the top. They are postmarked with a circular cancellation reading "Premier Jour – 20 Jan 1976 – Nouakchott," confirming their 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. Mauritania, a West African nation that gained independence from France in 1960, participated in this tribute, issuing stamps that highlight the soldiers who fought for American freedom, including both American and French forces.

The 8 UM stamp features a soldier from the Lauzun Legion, a French military unit under the command of the Duc de Lauzun that fought alongside American forces during the Revolutionary War, notably at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The 10 UM stamp depicts a member of the Green Mountain Boys, a Vermont militia led by Ethan Allen that played a key role in early Revolutionary actions, such as the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. The issuance of this first day cover on January 20, 1976, in Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital, reflects the country’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 Mauritania 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 Mauritania 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 two stamps on the cover are part of a 1976 Mauritania series issued for the U.S. Bicentennial:

• 8 UM Stamp: Depicts a soldier from the Lauzun Legion, a French unit that supported the American Revolution. The soldier is shown in a blue and red uniform with a tricorn hat, holding a musket, against a yellow background. The text "Fantassin de la Légion de Lauzun" identifies the figure, and "Bicentenaire des États-Unis 1776-1976" ties the stamp to the Bicentennial theme.
• 10 UM Stamp: Features a member of the Green Mountain Boys, a Vermont militia led by Ethan Allen. The soldier is depicted in a green uniform with a rifle, against a pink background. The text "Garçons de la Montagne Verte" identifies the group, and the same Bicentennial inscription appears.

Both stamps include the Mauritanian flag and Arabic script at the top, reflecting the country’s identity. The denominations (8 UM and 10 UM, where UM stands for Ouguiya, Mauritania’s currency) were likely intended for domestic and international postage rates in 1976. The stamps’ placement on the cover, along with the clear Nouakchott postmark, enhances the item’s philatelic appeal.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

Compared to other first day covers you’ve provided, such as the 1980 Winter Olympics series (valued at $5–$25), this 1976 Mauritania cover offers a different historical focus, appealing to collectors interested in U.S. history and international tributes to the Bicentennial rather than sports. Compared to other Bicentennial memorabilia, such as U.S.-issued covers or commemorative coins, this Mauritania 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 Mauritania also makes it a rarer find compared to more common U.S.-produced Bicentennial items.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Mauritania’s Role in U.S. Diplomacy

An intriguing aspect of this cover is its reflection of Mauritania’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. during the 1970s. Mauritania established formal ties with the U.S. shortly after its independence in 1960, and by 1976, the two countries maintained a cooperative relationship, particularly in areas like trade, development, and cultural exchange. During the Cold War, the U.S. sought to build alliances with African nations to counter Soviet influence, and Mauritania’s participation in the Bicentennial celebration symbolizes that goodwill. This cover, issued during the Bicentennial, highlights the global resonance of the U.S. independence narrative and Mauritania’s role in fostering international solidarity.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1976 Mauritania U.S. Bicentennial First Day Cover is a historically significant collectible that celebrates the 200th anniversary of American independence from an international perspective. 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 the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Bicentennial, or global diplomacy, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting Mauritania’s tribute to the "Fighters for America’s Freedoms" and the shared ideals of independence.