1983 Omnibus 1880s – First Day Cover | Transportation Series

This elegant 1983 First Day Cover from the U.S. Postal Service’s Transportation Series showcases the iconic 1¢ Omnibus 1880s coil stamp, capturing the bustling street life of historic New York City. Featuring a detailed black-and-white cachet of a horse-drawn omnibus and an accompanying Surrey stamp, it’s a must-have for collectors of vintage transportation and urban American history.

🧾 Key Points:

• Country: United States of America
• Date of Issue: August 19, 1983
• City of Cancellation: Arlington, VA
• Stamp Value: 1¢ (Omnibus); 18¢ (Surrey)
• Theme: Omnibus 1880s | Transportation Series
• Historical or Cultural Relevance: Celebrates the horse-drawn omnibus that served as a vital public transportation link in 1880s New York City, connecting ferry terminals and major avenues before the era of electric trolleys and subways
• Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand

🖼️ Product Overview:

This First Day Cover highlights the 1¢ Omnibus 1880s coil stamp as part of the ongoing Transportation Series, paired with the 18¢ Surrey 1890s stamp. The left side features a striking black-and-white ArtCraft cachet depicting a fully loaded New York omnibus pulled by two horses along Broadway to 23rd Street and the Wall Street Ferry.

Design Elements:

• Attached stamps: 18¢ Surrey 1890s and two 1¢ Omnibus 1880s coil stamps in blue ink
• Prominent circular black postmark: “ARLINGTON, VA AUG 19 1983 22210”
• Detailed cachet illustration of the New York Omnibus with passengers, driver, and route signage “BROADWAY to 23 ST / WALL ST FERRY / MADISON AV.”
• Bold title text: “NEW YORK OMNIBUS” and “Omnibus 1880’s 1¢ COIL STAMP” with “TRANSPORTATION SERIES 1983” below
• “Official First Day of Issue” at the top and ArtCraft producer logo
• “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” printed in strong black lettering on the right

Appeal to Collectors:

Perfect for enthusiasts of the U.S. Transportation Series, vintage urban transit history, New York City memorabilia, and coil-stamp collectors.

📚 Historical Context:

Issued on August 19, 1983, in Arlington, Virginia, this 1¢ coil stamp continues the U.S. Postal Service’s Transportation Series honoring classic American vehicles. The omnibus was a horse-drawn public conveyance that operated on fixed routes in major 19th-century cities, providing affordable transportation for everyday commuters and connecting key ferry landings to uptown avenues. This issuance pays tribute to the hardworking horses and drivers who kept New York moving before the advent of modern mass transit.

💎 Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity:

As a well-designed ArtCraft First Day Cover from the popular Transportation Series with a clear cancellation and attractive multi-stamp layout, it offers good availability for collectors and is typically valued in the $5–$15 range in excellent condition.

Who Would Be Interested:

• Collectors specializing in U.S. Transportation Series stamps
• Enthusiasts of 19th-century urban transportation and New York City history
• Philatelists interested in coil stamps and multi-stamp combinations
• Those building collections on horse-drawn vehicles, omnibuses, and pre-automobile America

✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:

The cachet vividly recreates a bustling New York street scene with the omnibus clearly labeled for its exact route—Broadway to 23rd Street via the Wall Street Ferry and Madison Avenue—adding authentic historical detail. The inclusion of the 18¢ Surrey 1890s stamp alongside the Omnibus coil creates an attractive pairing of two different 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles on one cover. The postmark from Arlington, VA (home of many postal first-day ceremonies) neatly ties the entire Transportation Series theme together.

Add this rare 1983 Omnibus 1880s First Day Cover to your collection today!