Yellowstone National Park FDC 1972

Key Points

• This product is a 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary Official First Day Cover, featuring a stamp and a Lower Falls illustration.
• It includes a single 8-cent U.S. postage stamp depicting Old Faithful Geyser, postmarked on March 1, 1972, in Washington, D.C.
• The cover commemorates the centennial of Yellowstone, established as the world's first national park in 1872.
• As a collectible, it is likely valued between $5 and $20, depending on condition and market demand.

Product Overview

The 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary Official First Day Cover is a philatelic treasure celebrating a historic milestone. Featuring a striking illustration of Lower Falls and a single 8-cent U.S. postage stamp of Old Faithful Geyser, this cover is a must-have for collectors of national park memorabilia and stamp enthusiasts. It serves as a tangible piece of history, marking the centennial of the world’s first national park.

Historical Context

Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872, by an act of Congress signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, holds the distinction of being the first national park in the world. Spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is renowned for its geothermal features, like Old Faithful, and its stunning landscapes, including the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The 1972 centennial celebration highlighted the park’s role in conservation and its enduring natural beauty, a legacy that continues to inspire environmental stewardship.

Collectible Value

First day covers from this era, especially those tied to significant historical events, are prized by collectors. Based on typical market trends for similar items, this Yellowstone 100th Anniversary cover is likely valued between $5 and $20, depending on its condition and rarity. Its excellent condition, with no visible tears or stains, enhances its appeal to collectors seeking well-preserved pieces.

Unexpected Detail: Conservation Milestone

An intriguing aspect of this cover is its connection to the early conservation movement. Yellowstone’s establishment in 1872 set a global precedent for protected natural areas, influencing the creation of national parks worldwide. This cover not only celebrates the park’s beauty but also its role in shaping environmental policy during a time when industrialization threatened natural landscapes.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary First Day Cover

This section provides an in-depth examination of the 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary Official First Day Cover, offering a comprehensive look at its features, historical significance, and collectible value. The cover, analyzed through the provided image, is a philatelic item that captures a pivotal moment in conservation history, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Product Description and Features

The 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary Official First Day Cover is a collectible envelope designed to commemorate the centennial of Yellowstone’s establishment as the world’s first national park. The cover features a detailed black-and-white illustration of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, with the text “Lower Falls – Yellowstone River” and “Old Faithful Geyser” printed below, alongside the celebratory message “100th Anniversary Yellowstone National Park – World’s First National Park.” The artwork captures the dramatic beauty of the falls, emphasizing the park’s iconic natural features.

Affixed to the cover is a single 8-cent U.S. postage stamp (likely Scott #1447), part of a series issued to honor Yellowstone’s centennial. The stamp depicts Old Faithful Geyser in eruption, a symbol of the park’s geothermal wonders, with two small figures at the base for scale, set against a vibrant blue background. The stamp is postmarked with a circular cancellation reading “Washington, D.C. Mar 1 1972,” alongside the text “First Day of Issue,” confirming its status as a first day cover. The postmark’s clarity and the stamp’s pristine condition add to the item’s collectible appeal.

The envelope itself is in excellent condition, showing no signs of wear, discoloration, or damage, which is a critical factor for collectors. The design and postmark together create a visually appealing piece that balances historical significance with aesthetic value.

Historical Significance and Context

Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law, setting aside over 2 million acres of wilderness for preservation. This act was a groundbreaking moment in conservation history, as it marked the first time a government had designated a large area of land for public enjoyment and protection from development. The park’s creation came at a time when the American West was still being explored and settled, with expeditions like the 1871 Hayden Geological Survey providing critical documentation of its natural wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and canyons.

The 1972 centennial celebration, which this cover commemorates, was a moment of reflection on Yellowstone’s legacy. By this time, the park had become a global symbol of conservation, inspiring the creation of other national parks, such as Yosemite (1890) and the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The centennial also coincided with growing environmental awareness in the United States, following the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970 and the passage of key legislation like the Clean Air Act. This cover, issued on March 1, 1972, captures the spirit of that era, celebrating both the park’s natural beauty and its role in the broader environmental movement.

Collectible Value and Market Analysis

First day covers are highly sought after by philatelists because they mark the inaugural use of a new stamp, often tied to significant events or themes. The 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary cover is particularly appealing due to its connection to a historic milestone and its focus on a beloved American landmark. Based on market trends for similar first day covers from the 1970s, this item is likely valued between $5 and $20. For example, covers from this period often sell on platforms like eBay or through stamp dealers in this price range, with variations depending on condition, rarity, and whether the cover is part of a larger set.

The cover’s value is enhanced by its excellent condition and the clarity of the postmark, which are key factors for collectors. Additionally, its thematic focus on Yellowstone—a park with enduring cultural and historical significance—adds to its appeal. For collectors of national park memorabilia or those specializing in environmental history, this cover may hold additional sentimental value, potentially increasing its market price in specialized auctions or sales.

Detailed Stamp Analysis

The 8-cent stamp on the cover, likely Scott #1447, was part of a series issued by the U.S. Postal Service to commemorate Yellowstone’s 100th anniversary. The stamp’s design features Old Faithful Geyser, one of the park’s most famous landmarks, known for its predictable eruptions that can reach heights of 100 to 180 feet. The stamp shows the geyser in mid-eruption, with a plume of steam and water rising into the sky, and two small human figures at the base to emphasize the scale of the natural phenomenon. The blue background of the stamp contrasts with the white of the geyser’s spray, creating a striking visual effect.

The choice of Old Faithful for the stamp reflects its status as an enduring symbol of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity, which includes over 10,000 hydrothermal features, more than half of the world’s active geysers. The stamp’s 8-cent denomination was typical for first-class postage in 1972, aligning with postal rates of the time.

Comparative Analysis with Other Collectibles

Compared to other national park memorabilia, such as postcards, posters, or souvenirs from Yellowstone’s centennial, this first day cover offers a unique combination of philatelic and historical value. While a postcard from the same era might appeal to casual collectors, the first day cover’s postmark and stamp tie it directly to the specific date of the centennial celebration, making it a more specialized item. Additionally, compared to other first day covers, such as those for the 1980 Winter Olympics (valued at $10–$50), this Yellowstone cover may have a slightly lower price range due to its single stamp and less dramatic historical event, but its connection to conservation history gives it a distinct niche.

Unexpected Historical Detail: Influence on Global Conservation

An often-overlooked aspect of Yellowstone’s establishment is its global impact on conservation. The creation of the park in 1872 inspired other nations to establish their own protected areas, such as Canada’s Banff National Park in 1885 and Australia’s Royal National Park in 1879. This ripple effect underscores Yellowstone’s role as a pioneer in the global national park movement, a legacy that this 1972 cover indirectly celebrates. At the time of the centennial, the environmental movement was gaining momentum, with events like the first Earth Day in 1970 highlighting the growing public interest in preserving natural spaces—a context that adds depth to the cover’s historical significance.

Table: Summary of Key Features

Conclusion

The 1972 Yellowstone National Park 100th Anniversary Official First Day Cover is a beautifully preserved piece of history that celebrates the legacy of the world’s first national park. Its combination of a striking stamp, a clear postmark, and a meaningful historical theme makes it an excellent addition to collections focused on national parks, environmental history, or philately. For collectors and enthusiasts, this cover offers both aesthetic appeal and a connection to a pivotal moment in conservation, reflecting the enduring importance of Yellowstone’s natural wonders.