{"product_id":"international-wildlife-1981-first-day-cover-global-conservation","title":"U.S. 1981 Everett Dirksen 15¢ First Day Cover – Pekin, IL (January 4, 1981) Colorano Silk Cachet","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is an Official First Day Cover (FDC) from the United States\u003c\/strong\u003e, issued on \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 4, 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e, honoring \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen\u003c\/strong\u003e (1896–1969) with a \u003cstrong\u003e15¢ commemorative stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e (Scott #1874).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe stamp features a detailed black-and-white portrait of Dirksen wearing his signature black-rimmed glasses, with the inscriptions \"USA 15¢\" and \"Everett Dirksen.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cover uses a \u003cstrong\u003eColorano \"Silk\" cachet\u003c\/strong\u003e (known for its textured fabric-like appearance):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA large colorful portrait of Dirksen (by artist T.M. Duns) in a green suit and blue tie, set against a background of the waving \u003cstrong\u003eIllinois state flag\u003c\/strong\u003e (with the bald eagle, rock, and \"ILLINOIS\" banner).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold metallic border framing the cachet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eText: \"EVERETT DIRKSEN\" at the top.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePostmarked with a circular cancel from \u003cstrong\u003ePekin, Illinois\u003c\/strong\u003e (Dirksen's birthplace and longtime home), dated \u003cstrong\u003eJAN 4 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e, including \"FIRST DAY OF ISSUE\" in the killer bars and ZIP 61555A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eDirksen, a Republican Senator from Illinois (1951–1969), was famous for his oratory, support of civil rights legislation (key role in passing the 1964 Civil Rights Act), and distinctive voice (nicknamed the \"Wizard of Ooze\"). The stamp and Pekin cancellation pay tribute to his legacy in his hometown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePopular among collectors for the high-quality Colorano silk cachet, biographical theme, and birthplace FDC appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51012609704100,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05092025_028.jpg?v=1748983802","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/international-wildlife-1981-first-day-cover-global-conservation","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}