1980 Honoring Edith Wharton .15c

Key Points

• This product is a 1980 Edith Wharton Official First Day Cover, featuring a stamp and an illustration honoring the American novelist.
• It includes a single 15-cent U.S. postage stamp depicting Edith Wharton, postmarked on September 5, 1980, in New Haven, CT.
• The cover commemorates Edith Wharton as part of the Literary Arts Series, recognizing her contributions to American literature.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $15, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1980 Edith Wharton Official First Day Cover is a philatelic treasure celebrating one of America’s most distinguished novelists. Featuring an elegant illustration of Edith Wharton and a 15-cent U.S. postage stamp, this cover honors her legacy in the Literary Arts Series of 1980. It’s a perfect addition for collectors of literary memorabilia, philatelists, and fans of American literature, offering a tangible connection to Wharton’s enduring contributions.

Historical Context

Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, best known for her works exploring the social dynamics of the Gilded Age, including The Age of Innocence (1920), Ethan Frome (1911), and The House of Mirth (1905). She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, awarded in 1921 for The Age of Innocence. The 1980 issuance of this first day cover, part of the U.S. Postal Service’s Literary Arts Series, reflects a growing recognition of women’s contributions to literature during a period of increased focus on cultural heritage and gender equality in the arts.

Collectible Value

First day covers from the Literary Arts Series are prized by collectors for their historical and cultural significance. This Edith Wharton cover, with its clear postmark and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $15, based on typical market trends for similar items. Its association with a literary icon and its place in a notable stamp series enhance its appeal to collectors of both philatelic and literary memorabilia.

Unexpected Detail: Wharton’s Connection to New Haven

An interesting aspect of this cover is its postmark location—New Haven, Connecticut. While Wharton was born in New York City and spent much of her life in Europe, her family had ties to New England, and she attended events at Yale University in New Haven, which houses a collection of her papers. The choice of New Haven for the first day of issue likely reflects this connection, adding a layer of historical significance to the cover.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1980 Edith Wharton Official First Day Cover

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the 1980 Edith Wharton Official First Day Cover, delving into its features, historical context, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that celebrates a literary icon, making it a valuable piece for collectors of both stamps and literary memorabilia.

Product Description and Features

The 1980 Edith Wharton Official First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to honor the American novelist Edith Wharton as part of the U.S. Postal Service’s Literary Arts Series. The cover features a detailed black-and-white illustration of Wharton, depicted in a formal portrait with an elegant updo and fur stole, alongside a smaller image of her writing at a desk. The titles of her most famous works—The Age of Innocence, Ethan Frome, and The House of Mirth—are shown on book spines in the background, emphasizing her literary legacy. The text “Honoring Edith Wharton 1862-1937 – American Novelist – Literary Arts Series-1980” is printed below, along with the ArtCraft logo, a well-known producer of first day covers.

Affixed to the cover is a single 15-cent U.S. postage stamp (Scott #1845), part of the Literary Arts Series, depicting Edith Wharton in a purple-toned illustration. She is shown in a formal pose, holding a book, with her name printed above. The stamp is postmarked with a circular cancellation reading “New Haven, CT Sep 5 1980,” alongside the text “First Day of Issue,” confirming its philatelic status. The cover’s condition appears excellent, with no visible tears, stains, or creases, preserving its aesthetic and collectible value.

Historical Significance and Context

Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a prolific American novelist, short story writer, and designer, renowned for her insightful portrayals of the upper-class society of the Gilded Age. Born into a wealthy New York family, Wharton’s works often critiqued the social constraints of her time, particularly for women. Her most famous novels include The House of Mirth (1905), which explores the tragic downfall of a young woman navigating New York’s elite society; Ethan Frome (1911), a stark tale of love and duty in rural New England; and The Age of Innocence (1920), which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921, making her the first woman to receive this honor for fiction. Wharton also wrote extensively about her travels, interior design, and gardening, and she spent much of her later life in France, where she died in 1937.

The 1980 issuance of this first day cover was part of the U.S. Postal Service’s Literary Arts Series, which began in 1979 to honor American writers. The series reflected a broader cultural movement in the late 20th century to recognize the contributions of women and diverse voices in literature, especially as feminist scholarship gained prominence. The choice of New Haven, Connecticut, for the first day of issue is significant, as Yale University in New Haven houses the Edith Wharton Collection, including her manuscripts and correspondence, making it a fitting location to honor her legacy.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers from the Literary Arts Series are popular among collectors for their cultural and historical significance. The 1980 Edith Wharton cover, with its clear postmark and well-preserved condition, is likely valued between $5 and $15, based on market trends for similar items. For example, first day covers from this series 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 featured figure. The cover’s value is enhanced by its association with a literary icon and its place in a notable stamp series, making it appealing to collectors of both philatelic and literary memorabilia.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The 15-cent stamp on the cover (Scott #1845) was issued as part of the Literary Arts Series to honor Edith Wharton. The stamp features a portrait of Wharton, likely based on a historical photograph, depicted in a purple and white color scheme. She is shown in a formal pose, holding a book, which symbolizes her literary contributions. The stamp’s design is simple yet elegant, fitting the tone of the Literary Arts Series, which often used understated, classical imagery to honor its subjects. The 15-cent denomination aligns with the first-class postage rate for postcards in 1980, as the standard letter rate had increased to 15 cents in 1978, with a subsequent increase to 20 cents in 1981.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

Compared to other literary memorabilia, such as first editions of Wharton’s novels or autographed letters, this first day cover offers a more accessible entry point for collectors. A first edition of The Age of Innocence can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars, while this cover provides a more affordable way to own a piece of Wharton’s legacy. Compared to other first day covers, such as the 2007 Marvel Comics Super Heroes covers (valued at $8–$25), this Edith Wharton cover may have a slightly lower value due to its more niche appeal, but it holds significant value for collectors of literary history.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Wharton’s Role in World War I

An often-overlooked aspect of Edith Wharton’s life is her significant humanitarian work during World War I. Living in France at the time, Wharton established charities to support refugees, founded hostels for displaced women and children, and even traveled to the front lines to report on the war’s impact. Her efforts earned her the French Legion of Honor in 1916, a rare distinction for a foreigner. This cover, while focused on her literary achievements, indirectly honors her broader legacy as a compassionate and engaged global citizen.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1980 Edith Wharton Official First Day Cover is a beautifully crafted piece of history that celebrates the legacy of one of America’s greatest novelists. Its combination of a detailed stamp, a clear postmark, and a meaningful connection to Wharton’s literary achievements makes it a standout piece for collectors of literary memorabilia and philately. Whether you’re a fan of Wharton’s novels or a stamp enthusiast, this cover offers a unique blend of cultural and historical value, reflecting her enduring impact on American literature.