1982, New York State Birds & Flowers First Day Cover – Eastern Bluebird & Rose

Key Points

• What the product is: United States 20-cent commemorative stamp (Scott #2018 from the State Birds & Flowers series) affixed to an official ArtCraft cacheted First Day Cover envelope.
• Theme or topic: State Birds and Flowers of America series – this issue specifically honors New York, featuring the Eastern Bluebird (state bird) and Rose (state flower).
• Issue date and place of postmark: April 14, 1982, postmarked in Washington, D.C. (the official first-day city for this block-of-four series release).
• Historical or cultural relevance: Part of a beloved 50-stamp series celebrating each U.S. state's official bird and flower, symbolizing natural beauty, state pride, and biodiversity; New York's selection highlights its rich natural heritage and the rose's long association with elegance and American gardening traditions.
• Estimated value or range: ArtCraft cacheted First Day Covers from the State Birds & Flowers series typically range from $2–$7, with clean examples often $3–$5; individual state issues like New York remain popular and affordable for collectors.

Product Overview: New York State Birds & Flowers Stamp Design and Overview

This 1982 New York First Day Cover showcases one stamp from the colorful State Birds & Flowers block-of-four issue, depicting the vibrant Eastern Bluebird perched on a branch alongside blooming roses in soft pinks and greens—delicate petals, lush foliage, and the bird's signature bright blue back and rusty breast vividly captured.

The ArtCraft cachet is a dramatic, detailed artwork: a majestic bald eagle in flight clutching a red rose in its talons, soaring above a silhouette map of the United States, with additional rose blooms below. The high-contrast black-and-gray eagle contrasts beautifully with the colorful stamp, evoking American patriotism and natural splendor.

US stamp collectors, state pride enthusiasts, bird watchers, flower lovers, and fans of Americana will adore this cover for its striking patriotic symbolism, accurate natural illustrations, and connection to New York's identity—making it a standout piece in vintage US First Day Cover collections focused on wildlife, flora, or state-themed philately.

Historical Context

The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) was designated New York's state bird in 1970, celebrated for its cheerful song and role in controlling insects across orchards and farmlands. The rose became the state flower in 1955, reflecting New York's historic gardens, the famous New York City rose shows, and the flower's cultural symbolism of beauty and resilience.

Issued in 1982 as part of the 50-stamp State Birds & Flowers series (one of the largest U.S. commemorative sets ever), it coincided with growing environmental awareness in the early 1980s, including efforts to protect native species amid habitat loss and the popularity of backyard birding and state pride movements.

Collectible Value

As a highlight of the iconic State Birds & Flowers series, this New York First Day Cover enjoys consistent demand among philatelists. Individual stamps from the series (Scott #2013–2062) are inexpensive alone ($0.50–$1 mint), but ArtCraft cacheted covers—with their artistic, thematic designs—add lasting appeal, typically valued at $3–$8 depending on condition.

Particularly sought after by state-specific collectors (especially New York residents or natives), bird philately specialists, floral thematic enthusiasts, and those assembling complete series or Americana collections.

Unexpected or Notable Detail

The cachet's powerful bald eagle clutching a rose cleverly merges national symbolism (the eagle as America's emblem) with New York's state flower, creating a unique "nation-to-state" visual bridge rarely seen in other covers from the series. The eagle's dynamic pose over the U.S. map subtly emphasizes unity across states, while the detailed rose at the base ties directly to the stamp's subject—adding layers of patriotism and natural harmony that many overlook in simpler wildlife cachets. Washington, D.C. postmark underscores the federal celebration of state diversity.

Add this rare New York State Birds & Flowers First Day Cover to your collection today!

Check out our other US First Day Covers and State Birds & Flowers stamps for more philatelic treasures.

Product Tags: #NewYorkStamp #FirstDayCover #USStamp1982 #StateBirdsAndFlowers #EasternBluebird #RoseFlower #CollectibleStamps #StampCollecting #VintagePhilately #Americana #BirdPhilately #USPostalHistory #RareStamps #StatePrideCollectibles

All Covers are shipped via 1st class stamped letter mail, be sure your shipping address is where you receive letters.