First Day Cover Avesnes-sur-Helpe coat of arms FDC philately 1959

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Illustrated First Day Cover featuring Avesnes-sur-Helpe, visible under transparent protective sleeve. The displayed side features a colorful illustration depicting a view of the fortified city and the coat of arms of Avesnes-sur-Helpe, topped by a crenelated crown and striped yellow and red heraldic motifs. Several small coats of arms surround the main one, against a background of blue sky and urban landscape.

The envelope header bears the inscription "PREMIER JOUR D'ÉMISSION HISTORIQUE" (HISTORIC FIRST DAY OF ISSUE) accompanied by the reference "No 980 F.D.C.". The inscription "AVESNES-SUR-HELPE XVIIe SIÈCLE" (AVESNES-SUR-HELPE 17th CENTURY) is also visible in the upper left. Two round postmarks are clearly visible, with the inscription "PREMIER JOUR AVESNES-SUR-HELPE (NORD) 14 MARS 1959" (FIRST DAY AVESNES-SUR-HELPE (NORD) MARCH 14, 1959) applied on both the stamp and the envelope. The stamp, matching the illustration, features architectural elements of the city.

The surface of the envelope appears smooth and clean, protected by a plastic film. The colors of the visual are well preserved, with a strong contrast between the yellow, red, blue, and green tones. The postmark is crisp and perfectly legible, attesting to the care taken in preserving this philatelic envelope.

A small handwritten "10F" sticker is affixed to the protection, without affecting the envelope itself. No major defects, stains, or creases are visible on the displayed side.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The envelope is preserved under plastic protection, with vibrant colors and legible inscriptions on the visible side.

Did you know? "First Day Cover" (FDC) refers to an envelope that is franked and postmarked on the same day a stamp is officially released, often accompanied by a commemorative illustration related to the stamp's subject. These covers are sought after for their dated postmark and their documentary value, illustrating an event or local heritage.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC, philately France, Avesnes-sur-Helpe, commemorative stamp, 1959 postmark, city coat of arms, illustrated mail, historical envelope, philately, French cover