{"product_id":"new-zealand-1980-anniversaries-first-day-cover-february-7-1980","title":"New Zealand 1980 Anniversaries First Day Cover (February 7, 1980)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eOfficial First Day Cover (FDC)\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003eNew Zealand\u003c\/strong\u003e, issued on \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 7, 1980\u003c\/strong\u003e, for the \u003cstrong\u003e1980 Anniversaries and Events\u003c\/strong\u003e commemorative issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cover features six stamps released together to mark multiple events:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e14c stamps\u003c\/strong\u003e (three se-tenant designs, orange\/yellow background): Reproductions of New Zealand's first postage stamps from 1855 (the \"Full Face Queen\" or Chalon series depicting Queen Victoria), celebrating the \u003cstrong\u003e125th anniversary\u003c\/strong\u003e of the first NZ stamp issue. Values shown include 1d (one penny) red, 2d blue, and 1s (one shilling) green originals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e17c stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: Centenary of Rotorua (1880–1980), illustrating a Māori carved figure (possibly a pouwhenua or tekoteko) beside the historic Bath House or Rotorua Museum building with geothermal steam.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e25c stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1980 International Orchid Conference (held in Auckland), depicting two native orchids: Earina autumnalis (Easter orchid) and Thelymitra venosa (large-veined sun orchid) in purple frame.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30c stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1980 World Ploughing Championships (held in New Zealand), showing a farmer on a tractor ploughing a field with a traditional plough in the background, in green tones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe envelope has a colorful geometric design with red\/yellow stars and the text \"1980 COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE\" in a stylized banner. It includes the official New Zealand Post Office inscription at the bottom, and is postmarked with circular cancels from the \u003cstrong\u003ePhilatelic Bureau, Wanganui\u003c\/strong\u003e, dated \u003cstrong\u003e7 FEB 1980\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus \"FIRST DAY OF ISSUE\" markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis FDC combines celebrations of philatelic history (reissuing classic Queen Victoria designs), local milestones (Rotorua's centenary), international events (orchid conference), and agricultural competitions (world ploughing). It's popular with collectors for its multi-topic appeal, vibrant illustrations by designers like R.M. Conly and D.A. Hatcher, and the se-tenant anniversary strip. Often collected with the related miniature sheet (Zeapex exhibition issue) if available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51233897283748,"sku":null,"price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/20250520183605.jpg?v=1770400338","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/new-zealand-1980-anniversaries-first-day-cover-february-7-1980","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}