Colorado Statehood stamp uses John Fielder mountain photograph

USPS issued a Forever stamp on 24 January to commemorate 150 years of Colorado statehood. The first-day ceremony at the History Colorado Center in Denver coincided with the opening of an exhibition devoted to photographer John Fielder. The stamp reproduces his image 'Foggy Jagged Mountain, Weminuche Wilderness,' presenting the state's mountain landscape as the central symbol of the anniversary.

Colorado entered the Union as the 38th state on 1 August 1876, one hundred years after American independence, giving rise to its 'Centennial State' nickname. USPS art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp using Fielder's photograph. It was issued in panes of 20, with 16 million stamps printed.

The issue will interest collectors of statehood, landscapes, mountains, photography and environmental heritage. Its close association with the Fielder exhibition adds documentary value to first-day programmes and ceremony material. Collectors should distinguish the January first-day issue from later second-day events and local commemorative activity during Colorado's anniversary year.