{"product_id":"1982-touro-synagogue-first-day-cover-oldest-synagogue-in-america-religious-freedom-tribute","title":"1982, Touro Synagogue First Day Cover – Oldest Synagogue in America \u0026 Religious Freedom Tribute","description":"\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eKey Points\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the product is\u003c\/strong\u003e: United States 20-cent commemorative stamp (Scott #2017) affixed to an official ArtCraft cacheted First Day Cover envelope, featuring a block of four stamps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheme or topic\u003c\/strong\u003e: Historic American architecture and religious tolerance – tribute to \u003cstrong\u003eTouro Synagogue\u003c\/strong\u003e in Newport, Rhode Island, the oldest surviving synagogue in the United States, built in 1763.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIssue date and place of postmark\u003c\/strong\u003e: August 22, 1982, postmarked in Newport, RI (the synagogue's location, selected for authentic historical significance).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical or cultural relevance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Honors Touro Synagogue as a symbol of religious freedom in early America; includes George Washington's famous 1790 letter quote affirming tolerance (\"To bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance\"), issued during a period of renewed focus on America's pluralistic heritage and Jewish contributions to the nation's founding principles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated value or range\u003c\/strong\u003e: ArtCraft cacheted First Day Covers from this issue typically range from $2–$8, with unaddressed or high-quality examples often $3–$6; thematic interest in religious history or Rhode Island items can increase appeal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eProduct Overview: Touro Synagogue Stamp Design and Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003e1982 Touro Synagogue First Day Cover\u003c\/strong\u003e displays a block of four vibrant 20¢ stamps, each depicting the elegant Georgian-style synagogue building in Newport—white exterior, arched windows, central pediment, surrounded by green trees and a fence under a blue sky. The inscription reads \"Touro Synagogue Newport RI 1763\" with the quote from George Washington's letter to the congregation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe ArtCraft cachet features a large, detailed grayscale illustration of the synagogue's facade, complete with fence, gate, and pathway, accented by symbolic elements below: Torah scrolls and a Star of David, evoking Jewish tradition and dedication. The overall design blends architectural beauty with profound messages of liberty and faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUS stamp collectors\u003c\/strong\u003e, Jewish heritage enthusiasts, religious freedom historians, architecture buffs, and fans of American revolutionary-era history will value this cover for its powerful symbolism of tolerance, historical accuracy, and elegant presentation—perfect for \u003cstrong\u003evintage US First Day Cover\u003c\/strong\u003e collections focused on historic sites, religious tolerance, or colonial America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eTouro Synagogue, dedicated in 1763, was designed by architect Peter Harrison and served Newport's thriving Jewish community (many Sephardic immigrants fleeing persecution). It is the oldest synagogue building still in use in the U.S. and a National Historic Site. George Washington's 1790 letter to the congregation became a cornerstone document for religious liberty in America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe stamp was issued in 1982 amid growing recognition of multicultural history, coinciding with the 200th anniversary era of the U.S. Constitution's drafting (though slightly earlier) and ongoing discussions of pluralism in a diverse society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eCollectible Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAs a \u003cstrong\u003ecollectible US stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e commemorating a key historic site, this \u003cstrong\u003eTouro Synagogue First Day Cover\u003c\/strong\u003e holds steady appeal. The stamp alone (Scott #2017) is common and inexpensive ($0.50–$1 mint), but ArtCraft cacheted covers—with their informative artwork and block format—add philatelic charm, typically valued at $3–$10 depending on condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eStrong demand exists among \u003cstrong\u003eJewish philately\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ereligious history\u003c\/strong\u003e collectors, \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Jewish heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e specialists, \u003cstrong\u003ehistoric buildings\u003c\/strong\u003e thematics, \u003cstrong\u003eRhode Island\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003ecolonial America\u003c\/strong\u003e enthusiasts, and those assembling \u003cstrong\u003evintage US commemorative\u003c\/strong\u003e series on tolerance or architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eUnexpected or Notable Detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cachet prominently features the full Washington quote alongside Torah scrolls and the Star of David at the base, subtly linking the synagogue's 18th-century founding to enduring American ideals of freedom— a direct visual tie to the stamp's inscription that reinforces the cover's message of \"no sanction\" to bigotry. The Newport postmark (with its clear AUG 22 1982 cancel) provides genuine on-site authenticity, as the ceremony occurred at the synagogue itself, creating a deeper historical provenance than many off-site first-day covers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeta Description\u003c\/strong\u003e (for Shopify): \"Explore the 1982 Touro Synagogue First Day Cover – 20¢ US stamp honoring America's oldest synagogue. Vintage collectible! Shop now. #TouroSynagogue #StampCollecting\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAdd this rare \u003cstrong\u003eTouro Synagogue First Day Cover\u003c\/strong\u003e to your collection today!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eCheck out our other \u003cstrong\u003eUS First Day Covers\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ehistoric American sites stamps\u003c\/strong\u003e for more philatelic treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Tags\u003c\/strong\u003e: #TouroSynagogue #FirstDayCover #USStamp1982 #ReligiousFreedom #CollectibleStamps #StampCollecting #VintagePhilately #JewishHistory #OldestSynagogue #GeorgeWashington #USPostalHistory #RareStamps #HistoricSitesCollectibles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAll Covers are shipped via 1st class stamped letter mail, be sure your shipping address is where you receive letters.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51247580119204,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05092025_061.jpg?v=1771268808","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/1982-touro-synagogue-first-day-cover-oldest-synagogue-in-america-religious-freedom-tribute","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}