This ArtCraft First Day Cover features the 1978 Postage 'A' stamp, a 15¢ non-denominated issue postmarked in Memphis, TN on May 22, 1978. The cover displays a striking black-and-white eagle cachet with the text 'Emergency Change of Rate POSTAGE A STAMP' and the official first-day cancel.
The 'A' stamp was released as an emergency measure when the domestic first-class letter rate rose to 15 cents. Its simple orange design with a stylized eagle allowed the USPS to meet the new rate without waiting for denominated stamps to be printed.
A notable detail is the block of four stamps on the cover, each bearing the large 'A' and 'FIRST DAY OF ISSUE' inscription, highlighting the stamp's role in postal-rate history.
This cover makes an excellent addition for collectors of modern U.S. rate-change issues, eagle topicals, or ArtCraft cachets, and remains in fresh, well-preserved condition.
