{"product_id":"1986-john-harvard-first-day-cover-great-americans-series","title":"1986 John Harvard – First Day Cover | Great Americans Series","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e🧾 Key Points:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States of America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate of Issue:\u003c\/strong\u003e September 3, 1986\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCity of Cancellation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cambridge, MA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStamp Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e 56¢\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheme:\u003c\/strong\u003e John Harvard | Benefactor of Harvard College | Great Americans Series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical or Cultural Relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Market Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e🖼️ Product Overview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eDesign Elements:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlock of four 56¢ “John Harvard” stamps in red ink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProminent circular black postmark: “CAMBRIDGE, MA SEP 3 1986 02138”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed cachet illustration of the John Harvard statue with Harvard College buildings and “HARVARD COLLEGE FOUNDED 1636” inscription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant script title “John Harvard” with “BENEFACTOR OF HARVARD COLLEGE” and “GREAT AMERICANS SERIES-1986” below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e“OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” at the top and ArtCraft producer logo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eAppeal to Collectors:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eStrongly appeals to collectors of the Great Americans Series, Harvard University enthusiasts, and those interested in American higher education history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e📚 Historical Context:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIssued 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e💎 Collectible Value:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eTypical Market Value or Rarity:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eWho Would Be Interested:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of the Great Americans Series stamps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvard University alumni and enthusiasts of American higher education\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhilatelists focused on colonial American history and benefactors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThose building collections around famous American institutions and landmarks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"auto\"\u003e✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdd this rare 1986 John Harvard First Day Cover to your collection today!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51294298276004,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05102025_014.jpg?v=1775156206","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/1986-john-harvard-first-day-cover-great-americans-series","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}