This souvenir card was issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in 1976 to coincide with INTERPHIL '76, the Seventh International Philatelic Exhibition held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It commemorates the Bicentennial of the American Revolution and specifically honors Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence.

Year of Issue: 1976

Designation: Bicentennial of the American Revolution / INTERPHIL '76

Catalog Numbers: BEP: B-34 (also designated as Scott: SC46)

Format: Single souvenir card printed on heavy cardstock

Producer: Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C.

Design Elements:

• Central Feature: A block of four reproductions of the 1869 24-cent stamp (SC 120), which depicts John Trumbull’s famous painting, The Declaration of Independence.

• Portrait: An engraved portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration.

• Vignette: A historical scene on the bottom left showing the reading of the Declaration to a crowd outside Independence Hall.

• Logo: The official American Revolution Bicentennial 1776–1976 star logo in the top left corner.

Text Excerpt: The card features the profound words of the Declaration: "...THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL". The narrative describes the 200-year experiment in self-government and the revolutionary nature of these words in an "age of kings and despots".

Collectibility: This card is a cornerstone for collectors of American Bicentennial memorabilia and U.S. Classic stamp reproductions. Unlike the USPS cards previously reviewed, BEP cards were traditionally sold at the Bureau’s exhibition booths as examples of their high-quality intaglio printing.

Fun Unknown Facts about the B-34 Card and INTERPHIL '76

• Complex Engraving: The 1869 24-cent stamp reproduced here is famous in philately for being a bicolor stamp; on the original postage, the center vignette was printed in one color and the frame in another, leading to some of the most valuable "invert" errors in history.

• Treasury vs. Postal Service: While the USPS issued souvenir cards (like PS-70), the BEP (under the Treasury) issued its own "B" series. Collectors often track both series, but the BEP cards are particularly noted for their fine line engraving.

• The Trumbull Connection: The painting shown on the stamps is so detailed that even on the tiny surface of a stamp, the five-man drafting committee can be identified presenting the document to John Hancock.

• Philadelphia Hosting: Since the Revolution began in Philadelphia, INTERPHIL '76 was one of the most significant philatelic events ever held in the U.S., drawing massive international crowds to celebrate the 200th birthday of the nation.