1982 Library of Congress – First Day Cover | Angels Bearing Sword of Authority

This elegant 1982 First Day Cover celebrates the timeless mural at the Library of Congress, featuring a striking cachet of "Angels Bearing Sword of Authority and Bridle of Restraint Guard Figure of Government." A must-have for collectors of American institutional history and philatelic art, this cover beautifully combines an official U.S. Postal Service stamp with detailed illustrative artwork.

🧾 Key Points:

• Country: United States of America
• Date of Issue: April 21, 1982
• City of Cancellation: Washington, D.C.
• Stamp Value: 20¢
• Theme: Library of Congress Mural | Angels Bearing Sword of Authority and Bridle of Restraint
• Historical or Cultural Relevance: Honors the Library of Congress as America’s premier repository of knowledge, with symbolic artwork representing governmental authority and restraint
• Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand

🖼️ Product Overview:

This First Day Cover showcases the official 20¢ Library of Congress commemorative stamp featuring the iconic Thomas Jefferson Building. The left side displays a detailed blue cachet reproducing the Elihu Vedder mural from the entrance to the Main Reading Room, depicting a central enthroned government figure flanked by two angels.

Design Elements:

• Official 20¢ Library of Congress stamp with detailed engraving of the Jefferson Building
• Prominent circular black postmark: "WASHINGTON, D.C. APR 21 1982 20066"
• Red text cachet: "MURAL BY ELIHU VEDDER • ENTRANCE TO READING ROOM" arching over the artwork
• Descriptive red caption below: "ANGELS BEARING SWORD OF AUTHORITY AND BRIDLE OF RESTRAINT GUARD FIGURE OF GOVERNMENT"
• "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" printed in bold black lettering
• "Library of Congress" header in elegant blue script on the left

Appeal to Collectors: Ideal for enthusiasts of U.S. institutional history, architectural philately, and symbolic American art on stamps.

📚 Historical Context:

Issued on April 21, 1982, in Washington, D.C., this stamp and First Day Cover commemorate the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world and a cornerstone of American scholarship. The cachet highlights the famous mural by Elihu Vedder located at the entrance to the Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building. This issuance reflects the U.S. Postal Service’s tradition of honoring national cultural institutions through postage stamps.

The artwork symbolizes the dual nature of government: the sword representing authority and the bridle representing restraint, guarded by angelic figures.

💎 Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity: As a standard 1982 First Day Cover with an attractive cachet, it remains readily available yet desirable among thematic collectors. Condition is excellent in the provided example, with clear cancellation and vibrant printing.

Who Would Be Interested:

• Collectors of U.S. commemorative stamps and First Day Covers
• Enthusiasts of Library of Congress and American governmental history
• Philatelists focused on artistic or symbolic cachets
• Those building collections around Washington, D.C. landmarks and institutions

✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:

The cachet faithfully reproduces Elihu Vedder’s allegorical mural, complete with the central seated figure holding tablets and flanked by winged angels—one bearing a sword and the other a bridle. The red text provides precise identification of the mural’s location and symbolic meaning, adding educational value to the collectible. The combination of the engraved stamp image and the detailed illustrative cachet creates a harmonious tribute to both the building and its interior artistic treasures.

Add this rare 1982 Library of Congress First Day Cover featuring the Angels Bearing Sword of Authority to your collection today!