1986 John Harvard – First Day Cover | Great Americans Series

This elegant 1986 First Day Cover honors John Harvard, the benefactor of Harvard College, with a block of four 56¢ stamps from the Great Americans Series. The striking red cachet features a statue of John Harvard in Harvard Yard with historic college buildings in the background.

🧾 Key Points:

• Country: United States of America
• Date of Issue: September 3, 1986
• City of Cancellation: Cambridge, MA
• Stamp Value: 56¢
• Theme: John Harvard | Benefactor of Harvard College | Great Americans Series
• Historical or Cultural Relevance: Commemorates John Harvard (1607–1638), the young clergyman whose bequest of his library and half his estate helped establish Harvard College in 1636, America’s oldest institution of higher learning
• Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand

🖼️ Product Overview:

This First Day Cover features a block of four 56¢ John Harvard stamps from the Great Americans Series. The left side presents a beautiful red-toned ArtCraft cachet showing the famous statue of John Harvard seated in Harvard Yard with historic college buildings and students in the background.

Design Elements:

• Block of four 56¢ “John Harvard” stamps in red ink
• Prominent circular black postmark: “CAMBRIDGE, MA SEP 3 1986 02138”
• Detailed cachet illustration of the John Harvard statue with Harvard College buildings and “HARVARD COLLEGE FOUNDED 1636” inscription
• Elegant script title “John Harvard” with “BENEFACTOR OF HARVARD COLLEGE” and “GREAT AMERICANS SERIES-1986” below
• “OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” at the top and ArtCraft producer logo

Appeal to Collectors:

Strongly appeals to collectors of the Great Americans Series, Harvard University enthusiasts, and those interested in American higher education history.

📚 Historical Context:

Issued on September 3, 1986, in Cambridge, Massachusetts—the home of Harvard University—this stamp honors John Harvard, whose generous 1638 bequest helped establish what became Harvard College. Although he died young and only a small amount of his estate went to the college, his name has been immortalized as the institution’s symbolic founder. The cachet prominently features the famous John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard, a popular landmark for visitors and alumni alike.

💎 Collectible Value:

Typical Market Value or Rarity:

As a clean ArtCraft First Day Cover with a block of four stamps from the popular Great Americans Series and a clear Cambridge cancellation, it remains desirable for topical and series collectors and is typically valued in the $5–$15 range.

Who Would Be Interested:

• Collectors of the Great Americans Series stamps
• Harvard University alumni and enthusiasts of American higher education
• Philatelists focused on colonial American history and benefactors
• Those building collections around famous American institutions and landmarks

✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:

The cachet uses a rich red tone that matches the stamp color, creating a harmonious and elegant design. It accurately depicts the iconic John Harvard statue with the words “HARVARD COLLEGE FOUNDED 1636” inscribed below. Issued in Cambridge, the postmark directly ties the cover to the university’s historic location, adding significant geographic relevance to this tribute to one of America’s most important educational benefactors.

Add this rare 1986 John Harvard First Day Cover to your collection today!