50 Years of First Day Covers,1970-2019, 2000 U.S. Covers

2,000 First Day Covers – Half a Century of U.S. Stamp History!

This extraordinary collection gives you 2,000 United States First Day Covers, each postmarked on the first day of issue between 1970 and 2019. That’s 50 years of American history, culture, and art preserved on official covers. From famous figures to historic events, this set is a remarkable way to expand or even begin a collection of real significance.

400 First Day Covers Issued During the 1970s

There was a lot of turmoil in the 1970s with the oil and energy crisis, the Watergate Scandal with President Nixon, the end of the Vietnam War, the Iranian Revolution, and the rise of Pol Pot and Saddam Hussein…  However, there were also good changes that happened as well.  Tensions began to ease between the United States and Soviet Union, computer technology was introduced and advanced at a rapid pace, and the US continued to explore space after the successful 1969 Moon Landing.  

You might also remember the popularity of boxy car bodies with wood paneling and shag carpets.  And who could forget the outstanding musicians of the era like Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, REO Speedwagon, Jimi Hendrix, and more.   Some of the stamps I saw in my collection of 200 covers celebrated the accomplishments of George R. Clark, General Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and more.  I also noticed a stamp commemorating the 1974 World’s Fair.  

400 First Day Covers Issued During the 1980s

The 1980s marked the last ten years of the Cold War, with increased tensions as President Reagan changed US policy from détente to a much more forceful approach.  The struggle between Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev is legendary.  Historians now say that the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster combined with Reagan’s no-nonsense approach were some of the strongest factors that led to the fall of the Soviet Union.  

You might also remember the crisis in Ethiopia as the country suffered one of the greatest famines in history.  A group of musicians got together in 1985 to perform the Live Aid concert which raised money for hunger relief in Ethiopia.  Queen, Elton John, Madonna, Sting, the Beach Boys, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie were just a few of the performers who played at Live Aid.  Perhaps one of the most significant events of the 1980s was the invention of the Internet.  Some of the stamps I saw in my collection of 200 covers honored the 1980 Winter Olympics, paid tribute to the service of American veterans,  and recalled some of the United States’ most well-known first ladies (like Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt).  There was even a cover issued for the World Stamp Expo of 1989.  

400 First Day Covers Issued During the 1990s

It seems like just yesterday that the Cold War ended, the Berlin Wall came down, Bill Clinton became president of the United States, and NAFTA was created.  I also strongly remember the increased conflict in the Middle East with the fighting of the Gulf War as well as increased evidence of Global Warming being revealed by the scientific community.  And, of course, who could forget the tragic passing of Diana, Princess of Wales in a 1997 car accident.  

As far as popular culture, it seemed like a lot of young people were getting tattoos and piercings, adopting clothing and hairstyles from the 70s and 80s, and becoming interested in the newly introduced television genres of reality shows and medical dramas.  Some of the stamps I saw in my collection of 200 covers highlighted Looney Tunes characters, statehood anniversaries, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Elvis Presley, Dorothy Parker, and more.  

400 First Day Covers Issued During the 2000s

These First Day Covers feature stamps released anywhere from 2000-2009.  You'll enjoy recalling all the topics the USPS chose for stamps in that time.  Each cover includes a cachet complementing the stamp and was canceled on the stamp's First Day of Issue.  Some covers may even have stories on the back.  A great way to boost your collection or start a new side collection. Some of the stamps I saw in my collection of 200 covers highlighted Peanuts characters, Hollywood legends, famous artists, Lunar New Year, and more.  

400 First Day Covers Issued During the 2010s

We saw the re-election of President Obama, the election of President Trump, the growth of technology and worldwide popularity of smartphones, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and more.  US Navy Seals also successfully took out al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, making the world a little safer in the process.  Some of the stamps I saw in my collection of 200 covers included two Semi-postal stamps, more stamps from the Legends of Hollywood series, the 2011 Ronald Reagan issue, the well-liked Purple Heart design, the set of MLB All Stars stamps, several holiday stamps, and much more.