1987 Enrico Caruso – First Day Cover | Performing Arts Series
This elegant 1987 First Day Cover celebrates the legendary operatic tenor Enrico Caruso with a vibrant 22¢ stamp and a detailed Artmaster cachet showing him in his famous Julien costume from *Les Huguenots*. A standout collectible for opera lovers, classical music enthusiasts, and fans of the Performing Arts series.
🧾 Key Points:
- Country: United States of America
- Date of Issue: February 27, 1987
- City of Cancellation: New York, NY
- Stamp Value: 22¢
- Theme: Enrico Caruso | Performing Arts Series
- Historical or Cultural Relevance: Honors Enrico Caruso (1873–1921), the world’s first superstar recording artist and one of the greatest tenors in operatic history, whose powerful voice and charismatic stage presence defined the golden age of opera
- Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand
🖼️ Product Overview:
This First Day Cover features the official 22¢ Enrico Caruso commemorative stamp from the Performing Arts series. The left side displays a striking Artmaster cachet portrait of Caruso in his flamboyant Julien costume, complete with a small inset of his famous self-caricature.
Design Elements:
- 22¢ stamp with dramatic portrait of Caruso in costume and “Enrico Caruso 22USA” lettering
- Prominent circular black postmark: “NEW YORK, NY FEB 27 1987 10001”
- Color cachet illustration of Caruso in his Julien costume with caption “Caruso in his Julien costume”
- Small inset caricature labeled “Self portrait in caricature”
- Bold purple title “ENRICO CARUSO 1873-1921” and “PERFORMING ARTS SERIES”
- “Official First Day of Issue” and Artmaster signature
Appeal to Collectors:
Ideal for opera and classical music enthusiasts, collectors of the Performing Arts series, and fans of early 20th-century recording stars.
📚 Historical Context:
Issued on February 27, 1987, in New York City, this stamp honors Enrico Caruso, the Italian tenor whose recordings made him the first international recording superstar. Caruso’s powerful voice, emotional depth, and magnetic stage presence revolutionized opera and helped popularize it worldwide. The cachet highlights one of his most famous roles, underscoring his enduring legacy in the performing arts.
💎 Collectible Value:
Typical Market Value or Rarity:
As a clean Artmaster First Day Cover from the popular Performing Arts series with a vibrant cachet and clear New York cancellation, it remains desirable for music and arts collectors and is typically valued in the $5–$15 range.
Who Would Be Interested:
- Collectors of U.S. Performing Arts commemorative stamps
- Opera and classical vocal music enthusiasts
- Philatelists interested in early recording artists and cultural icons
- Those building collections around legendary tenors or Italian-American heritage
✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:
The cachet includes Caruso’s own humorous self-caricature, adding a personal and lighthearted touch to the tribute. The stamp captures him in full operatic regalia, while the cachet shows him in the flamboyant Julien costume from *Les Huguenots*—one of his signature roles. Issued in New York, the city where Caruso enjoyed his greatest triumphs at the Metropolitan Opera, the postmark adds authentic historic resonance.
Add this rare 1987 Enrico Caruso First Day Cover to your collection today!