This 1977 First Day Cover features the US Bicentennial 13¢ stamp reproducing Charles Willson Peale’s painting “Washington at Princeton 1777.” The cover is postmarked Princeton, New Jersey on January 3, 1977, the official first day of issue, with the cachet displaying the stamp and the “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” inscription.
The stamp commemorates George Washington’s decisive victory at the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolution, a turning point that boosted Continental Army morale and helped secure New Jersey from British control. Issued as part of the nationwide Bicentennial celebrations, the design highlights Peale’s iconic portrait of Washington standing beside a cannon with the American flag in the background.
A notable detail is the deliberate choice of Princeton, NJ as the first-day city, directly linking the postmark to the historic battlefield depicted on the stamp. Collectors value this geographic connection and the clean, unaddressed condition of the cover.
A fine addition to any Bicentennial, Revolutionary War, or presidential topical collection, this FDC offers both postal history interest and strong display appeal.
