1976 United States Bicentennial Commemorative Philatelic Cover

This item is a philatelic cover featuring two United States postage stamps with a clear 'Boston, MA' postmark dated March 17, 1976. The top stamp is an 8-cent commemorative issue from the 1973 Bicentennial Series, specifically depicting 'The Boston Tea Party.' It features a multi-color graphic of colonial figures in a boat at night, using dark blues, blacks, and a vibrant orange glow from a lantern. Below it is a 5-cent definitive stamp featuring a monochromatic blue engraving of George Washington. Both stamps have standard perforations and are affixed to a heavy-weight, off-white textured cream paper or cardstock that shows a slight deckle-like surface quality. A circular black ink hand-stamp (cancel) clearly displays 'BOSTON, MA' with the date 'MAR. 17 1976' and the zip code '02109.' This specific date is significant as it marks 'Evacuation Day' in Boston, coinciding with the 200th anniversary year of US independence. The overall condition appears excellent with crisp postmark ink and well-defined stamp edges, though some minor yellowing of the paper glue may be present consistent with mid-20th-century ephemera. The item is currently held in place by a clear archival corner mount against a white backing, indicating it is part of a curated collection or commemorative book.