1986 Benjamin Harrison – First Day Cover | Twenty-third President

This distinguished 1986 First Day Cover honors Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States. The stamp features his portrait with a facsimile signature, while the cachet shows him proudly holding the Pan American Union banner—a direct tribute to his role in strengthening hemispheric relations.

🧾 Key Points:

• Country: United States of America
• Date of Issue: May 22, 1986
• City of Cancellation: Chicago, IL
• Stamp Value: 22¢
• Theme: Benjamin Harrison | Twenty-third President (1889-1893)
• Historical or Cultural Relevance: Commemorates Benjamin Harrison, grandson of William Henry Harrison, who served as President from 1889 to 1893 and was a key advocate for the Pan American Union, laying groundwork for modern inter-American cooperation
• Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand

🖼️ Product Overview:

This First Day Cover features the official 22¢ Benjamin Harrison commemorative stamp. The left side displays a large, dignified color portrait cachet of President Harrison holding the colorful Pan American Union banner.

Design Elements:

• 22¢ stamp with portrait of Benjamin Harrison and red facsimile signature
• Prominent circular black postmark: “CHICAGO MAY 22 ’86 60601”
• Detailed cachet portrait of Harrison with “PAN AMERICAN UNION” banner
• Text label: “Benjamin Harrison • Twenty-third President”
• “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” printed in strong lettering

Appeal to Collectors:

Ideal for collectors of U.S. Presidents, political history, and Pan American Union commemoratives.

📚 Historical Context:

Issued on May 22, 1986, in Chicago, Illinois, this stamp honors Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901), the 23rd President. During his term, Harrison convened the first Pan American Conference, which led to the creation of the Pan American Union (predecessor to the Organization of American States). The cachet’s Pan American Union banner directly references this important diplomatic legacy. Chicago was chosen as the first-day city due to Harrison’s strong political ties to the region.

💎 Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity:

As a clean First Day Cover from the presidential series with an attractive cachet and clear Chicago cancellation, it holds steady appeal for presidential and historical collectors and is typically valued in the $5–$15 range.

Who Would Be Interested:

• Collectors of U.S. Presidents on stamps
• Enthusiasts of 19th-century American political history
• Philatelists focused on Pan American Union and international diplomacy themes
• Those building comprehensive presidential First Day Cover collections

✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:

The cachet prominently features the colorful Pan American Union banner, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of Harrison’s presidency—his leadership in fostering better relations with Latin American nations. The stamp includes his actual signature in red, adding a personal touch. Issued in Chicago, the cover connects to a major American city where Harrison had strong political support.

Add this rare 1986 Benjamin Harrison First Day Cover to your collection today!