Unaddressed ArtCraft 2c Green Strip of Three QEII First Day Cover
OVERVIEW
This attractive unaddressed 1963 Canada First Day Cover commemorates the May 2 1963 introduction of the 2-cent Queen Elizabeth II Cameo definitive.
Affixed is a complete horizontal strip of three, neatly tied by Ottawa First Day of Issue cancellations.
The elegant ArtCraft cachet features an official-style portrait of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by royal symbolism and decorative Canadian motifs, creating an exceptionally balanced presentation. Compared with standard single-stamp First Day Covers, this multiple-franking format offers stronger visual appeal and added collector interest.
FRANKING & POSTAL HISTORY
The cover is franked with an intact horizontal strip of three of Canada's 2-cent green Queen Elizabeth II Cameo definitive, cataloged as Scott 402.
The strip provides a total franking of six cents and remains completely intact with original perforations between all three stamps.
The stamps are tied by the bilingual Ottawa first day machine cancellation incorporating the crowned EIIR royal cypher together with the inscriptions DAY OF ISSUE and JOUR D'EMISSION.
A well-struck circular Ottawa datestamp reads 10 AM / 2 V / 1963 / CANADA, documenting the official first day of issue. The Cameo definitives were printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company and introduced a modern portrait of Queen Elizabeth II that replaced the earlier Wilding definitive series.
The 2-cent value is easily recognized by its rich green color and stylized evergreen emblem in the upper left corner, symbolizing Canada's forestry resources.
CONTEXT & COLLECTOR APPEAL
The Queen Elizabeth II Cameo Series ranks among Canada's most recognizable definitive issues of the twentieth century. While millions of individual stamps were produced for everyday mail, First Day Covers bearing attached multiples such as strips and blocks are collected separately because they preserve the original sheet format and create a more attractive postal presentation.
This cover features a horizontal strip of three, a format encountered less frequently than ordinary single-stamp First Day Covers and particularly appealing to collectors seeking multiples without the added cost of imprint or plate blocks.
The ArtCraft cachet is equally desirable, presenting Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Imperial State Crown within an ornate royal frame accompanied by her formal constitutional title and an illustrated State Coach.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Country: Canada
Year: 1963
Type: First Day Cover (FDC)
Topic: Queen Elizabeth II Cameo Strip ArtCraft FDC
Theme: Canadian Royalty and Definitive Stamps
Subject: HM Queen Elizabeth II
Era: Elizabeth II (1963)
Occasion: First Day of Issue
Region: Ottawa, Ontario
Stamp Color: Green
Denomination: 2c (x3) Horizontal Strip of Three (6c Total)
Currency: Canadian Dollar / Cents
Perforation: 12
Printing Method: Engraved (Canadian Bank Note Company Limited)
Cover Stock/Paper Type: Standard Wove Envelope
Cancellation Type/Date: Ottawa CDS with bilingual Day of Issue slogan and crowned EIIR royal cypher (May 2 1963)
Catalog Numbers: Scott 402
SKU: CAN-1963-SC402-STRIP3-ARTCRAFT-FDC
CONDITION
This vintage unaddressed First Day Cover is in very good collectible condition.
The horizontal strip of three remains securely attached with intact perforations and attractive centering.
Both the Ottawa circular datestamp and bilingual First Day machine cancellation are bold, complete, and highly legible.
The envelope displays light, even age toning consistent with long-term storage, with minor scattered handling marks and faint discoloration visible primarily around the outer margins.
Small spots of toning are present within portions of the upper selvage above the stamps.
The ArtCraft cachet remains crisp with excellent contrast and no significant fading.
The reverse is comparatively clean overall and free of the heavy adhesive staining seen on the related pair cover, although expected age toning and a few minor storage marks remain.
Please examine all high-resolution photographs carefully on the individual listing for the exact condition of the envelope, stamps, perforations, cachet, postmarks, flap, edges, corners, and reverse prior to purchase.