First Day Cover Napoleon I Bicentennial Ajaccio Philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Philatelic cover, known as a "First Day Cover" (FDC), illustrated and franked, presented under plastic protection. The main visual shows a commemorative postmark with the inscription "BICENTENAIRE DE NAPOLÉON 1er 1769-1969" as well as an illustration depicting the island of Corsica. Two French stamps are affixed to the visible side: one bears the portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte, the other features a design related to his bicentenary. The stamps are canceled with an Ajaccio postmark dated August 15, 1969, 1:30 PM, referring to Napoleon's birthplace.

In the upper left corner, the envelope bears the red framed inscription "Premier jour d'émission" (First Day of Issue), typical of philatelic covers produced for the first issues of special stamps. In the lower right corner, the inscription "SCOTEM" followed by a partial address in Paris is visible, characteristic of First Day covers produced by this publisher specializing in philatelic stationery.

The layout is sober, predominantly white with black and red printing, while the stamps add shades of violet, blue, and green. The entire item is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, which preserves its overall appearance. No other decorative elements or text are visible on this side.

The postmark and all visible elements confirm that this is a First Day Cover dedicated to the bicentenary of the birth of Napoleon I, designed for the official commemoration of 1969.

The item shows some signs of handling under the plastic protection, but the overall image remains clear and the impressions are easily readable.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The envelope is kept under plastic protection. Some visible marks or reflections on the sleeve, but no major alteration observed on the presented side.

Did you know? First Day of Issue covers are produced to mark the first circulation of a specific stamp. In France, the "First Day" tradition became structured in the 1950s, and special postmarks are often applied in cities directly related to the stamp's subject, as here Ajaccio for Napoleon Bonaparte.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC, Napoleon Bicentenary, Ajaccio 1969, Napoleon Bonaparte stamp, philately, commemorative envelope, French stamp cover, Premier Jour d’émission, philatelic envelope, Scotem Paris, Napoleon stamp