{"product_id":"1985-golden-eagle-first-day-cover-official-mail","title":"1985 Golden Eagle – First Day Cover | Official Mail","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis majestic 1985 First Day Cover features the Golden Eagle on a pair of Official Mail stamps, paired with a beautiful watercolor cachet of the bird soaring over a mountain landscape. A striking collectible for bird lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and collectors of U.S. Official Mail issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e🧾 Key Points:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States of America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate of Issue:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 4, 1985\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCity of Cancellation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Washington, D.C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStamp Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Domestic Letter Rate D (Official Mail)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheme:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Eagle | Official Mail Series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical or Cultural Relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highlights the Golden Eagle, known as the “King of Birds,” a powerful symbol of American wilderness and strength, featured on Official Mail stamps used by U.S. government agencies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Market Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e🖼️ Product Overview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis First Day Cover displays a pair of blue Official Mail stamps featuring the Great Seal of the United States with an eagle. The left side showcases a stunning full-color cachet painting of a Golden Eagle in flight against a dramatic Rocky Mountain sunset, signed by artist John J. Audubon-style illustrator John J. (signature visible).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eDesign Elements:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePair of “Official Mail USA” stamps inscribed “Domestic Letter Rate D” with the Great Seal eagle design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProminent circular black postmark: “WASHINGTON, D.C. FEB 4 1985 20068”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVibrant watercolor cachet depicting a Golden Eagle soaring with wings spread wide over a mountain lake at sunset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTitle “Golden Eagle” in bold yellow lettering with descriptive text: “The majestic ‘King of Birds’ makes its home high in America’s Rocky Mountains.”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” printed in strong lettering on the right\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eAppeal to Collectors:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHighly appealing to bird and wildlife topical collectors, enthusiasts of U.S. Official Mail stamps, and those who appreciate beautiful nature-themed cachets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e📚 Historical Context:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIssued on February 4, 1985, in Washington, D.C., this Official Mail stamp pair was part of a series depicting American wildlife for government use. The Golden Eagle, a magnificent raptor native to North America’s mountainous regions, symbolizes power and freedom. These stamps were used for official government correspondence and carried a penalty notice for private use, reflecting their restricted purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e💎 Collectible Value:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eTypical Market Value or Rarity:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAs an attractive First Day Cover with a pair of Official Mail stamps and a high-quality nature cachet, it remains desirable for topical and Official Mail collections and is typically valued in the $5–$15 range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWho Would Be Interested:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of U.S. Official Mail and government-issued stamps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBird and wildlife enthusiasts, especially fans of raptors and eagles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilatelists building collections on American birds or nature themes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThose interested in Rocky Mountain wildlife and majestic avian subjects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cachet is a beautifully rendered watercolor showing the Golden Eagle in full flight with detailed feather patterns and a striking sunset backdrop, creating a serene yet powerful scene. The pair of Official Mail stamps features the familiar Great Seal eagle, providing an interesting contrast between the symbolic government eagle and the realistic wild Golden Eagle in the cachet. The Washington, D.C. postmark ties the cover to the seat of government, fitting for these official-use stamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdd this rare 1985 Golden Eagle Official Mail First Day Cover to your collection today!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51294296604836,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05092025_109.jpg?v=1775155449","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/1985-golden-eagle-first-day-cover-official-mail","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}