This is a rare collection of prehistoric animals on 1st day issue covers. The USPS 22kt gold stamp has been minted in uncirculated condition and comes with no certification. The stamps feature a beautiful, vibrant gold color that captures the essence of the prehistoric era. The collection is from the United States and falls in the 1991-2000 category. This is a great addition to any stamp collection and a must-have for any prehistoric animal enthusiast.
Why the stamps were issued: The four Prehistoric Animals stamps were issued to appeal to young stamp collectors. Ancient animals, such as these mammals, appeal to children. It was hoped, these stamps would spark an interest in stamp collecting that would last a lifetime.
About the stamp designs: Davis Meltzer created the acrylic paintings used for these stamps. He referred to paintings by Charles Knight, who had painted many historic animals for the Museum of Natural History in New York City, as well as other sources. Dr. John Flynn, a prehistoric animal specialist with the Field Museum in Chicago was consulted after Meltzer’s paintings were complete to assure accuracy.
This set depicts the Eohippus, Woolly mammoth, Mastodon, and Saber-tooth cat.
About the printing process: The stamps were originally intended to be printed using offset lithography and intaglio engraving. Printer Ashton-Potter was using a new press in 1995 when they tried to produce these stamps, and had issues with proper registration. The stamps were put on hold for a year. It was then decided they would be printed using only lithography.
First Day City: The Prehistoric Animals stamps were dedicated on the first day of Capex 96, held in Toronto, Canada. The sales of the stamps and First Day of Issue cancellations were handled by the Buffalo, New York, post office.
The stamps were originally scheduled to be issued at the American Philatelic Society’s annual convention but were delayed because of “technical problems with the printing process,” according to the USPS.
About the Prehistoric Animals set: This set shows four animals who roamed the ancient earth. Each one is an ancestor to modern animals. The fossil record gives scientists clues to what these creatures looked like and how they lived many years ago.