Canada #1191-1193 38c-40c Multicoloured Canadian Flag Over Various Scenes, 1987-1991 Mammal & Architecture Issue, 4 VF First Day Covers DF & NF Cream And HB White Envelopes

4 VF first day covers of the 38c-40c multicoloured Canadian Flag Over Various Scenes from the 1987-1991 Mammal & Architecture Issue. DF & NF cream and HB white envelopes, stamps on horizontal ribbed & smooth papers. The envelopes, except for the NF cream appear to be the standard ones for this issue: the initial releases utilized cream coloured envelopes which were either DF or LF under UV. Later releases in 1989 and 1990 utilized white envelopes, which were generally HF or HB under UV light. The fluorescence of the envelopes is an important characteristic that has been ignored by all the catalogues. Why does it matter? Because the envelope is an integral component of the FDC in the same way that a cover would be to a complete booklet, or the cardboard insert would be to a pack of plate blocks. The expectation, and general observation would be that Canada Post would utilize one type of envelope for a particular issue, so that if a different one from the standard type is found, then there is a good chance that it will be scarce, and is therefore, in our opinion collectible. At least the 38c and 39c Quick Stick stamps can be found both on paper that shows clear horizontal ribbing on the front, and paper which appears smooth. Both 38c covers have the ribbed paper stamps, while the other covers have stamps on smooth paper.

Unitrade values this at $6.