Statue of Liberty Centennial 1886-1986 – Bartholdi

The cachet features a sepia/brown-toned illustration of the Statue of Liberty under construction in Paris in 1884, shown on scaffolding with Parisian buildings in the background. The French stamp (2.20 francs, République Française) depicts a blue engraved portrait-style view of the Statue of Liberty head and torch, commemorating the centennial 'Liberté 1886-1986,' designed by Bartholdi. The pictorial cancellation shows the Statue of Liberty against a New York skyline with 'Liberté 1886-1986 / 1er JOUR / 4 JUL 1986 / PARIS.' Descriptive text on the lower right explains the statue's Paris presentation history and its 300-piece dismantling for transport.

This First Day Cover celebrates the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, featuring a detailed cachet illustration of the statue under construction in Paris in 1884, with scaffolding and a bustling cityscape below. The stamp, designed by Bartholdi, showcases an engraved portrait of Liberty's head and torch in blue. The postmark is a pictorial cancellation with a skyline and the Statue of Liberty, dated July 4, 1986, in Paris. The cover includes historical text describing the statue's presentation and dismantling for transport to New York.