🖋️ 1940 James Whitcomb Riley Sc 868 FDC Holland 10c

This is an Official First Day Cover (FDC) honoring the beloved "Hoosier Poet" James Whitcomb Riley (1853-1916), issued as the final denomination in the Poets group of the celebrated Famous Americans series.

• Year of Issue: 1940.

• Designation: Famous Americans Series: Poets.

• Denomination: 10c.

• Scott Number: Sc 868.

• Format: Single FDC bearing a single 10c stamp.

• Cachet Producer: Holland.

• Cachet Design: A detailed red-toned engraved illustration featuring a central portrait of James Whitcomb Riley. The portrait is framed by a laurel wreath and flanked by symbolic icons representing the various groups in the Famous Americans series, including an artist's palette, a quill and book, a lyre, and scientific tools. The text at the top reads "Series Of Famous Americans" and a banner at the bottom identifies the honoree as "James Whitcomb Riley / Poet".

• First Day of Issue (FDOI) Cancel: The cover bears a circular postmark from Greenfield, IND., dated Feb 24, 1940. Greenfield was the official FDOI site, chosen as the poet's birthplace.

• Stamp Design: The dark brown stamp features a portrait of Riley alongside a symbolic quill and inkwell, the signature icons for the Poets group.

Historical Significance: James Whitcomb Riley Known as the "Children's Poet," Riley's work remains a staple of American literary heritage.

• Literary Legacy: He is best remembered for his works in Hoosier dialect, including enduring poems such as "Little Orphant Annie" and "The Raggedy Man".

• Denomination Rarity: As the 10c value, this stamp represented the highest denomination in the Poets set, typically used for international or registry fees at the time of issue.

• Philatelic Context: Holland cachets are recognized for their classical, comprehensive design that paid tribute to the entire Famous Americans series through the inclusion of multiple thematic symbols.