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"RARE MINT CONDITION 1976 BICENTENNIAL PHILADELPHIA POSTCARD - OFFICIAL 'CONTINENTAL CARD' SERIES!
you're looking at a pristine never-used time capsule from America's 200th birthday celebration! This increasingly scarce piece of Bicentennial ephemera has survived nearly 50 years in remarkable condition!
As we approach the 50th anniversary of America's Bicentennial these authentic mementos from our nation's 200th birthday celebration are rapidly disappearing from the collector market. Once they're gone they're gone forever!
Description
This striking multi-view chrome postcard captures five iconic views of Philadelphia's most sacred historic sites in vibrant color.
The top portion features a panoramic skyline view of Philadelphia with City Hall prominently displayed topped with the bold red-orange text 'PHILADELPHIA.'
A flowing red banner with yellow text reading 'THE BIRTHPLACE OF LIBERTY' divides the card emphasizing Philadelphia's revolutionary importance.
The bottom section showcases four meticulously labeled Revolutionary landmarks: the Betsy Ross House (complete with 13-star flag) the Liberty Bell (America's most iconic symbol of freedom) Carpenters' Hall (where the First Continental Congress met) and Independence Hall (birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution).
The patriotic red white and blue color scheme perfectly captures the Bicentennial spirit creating a visual celebration of America's founding moments.
Historical Significance
This postcard commemorates the 200th anniversary of American independence in 1976 one of the most significant national celebrations in our history.
The Bicentennial represented a moment of national unity and patriotic reflection following the turbulent Vietnam and Watergate years.
Each landmark depicted played a crucial role in America's founding: Independence Hall where the Declaration was signed the Liberty Bell that rang to announce the first public reading Betsy Ross's home where tradition holds the first flag was created and Carpenters' Hall where the Continental Congress first met.
This card is part of the special 'Continental Card' series - a clever reference to the Continental Congress that declared independence in these very buildings.
The design perfectly captures the Bicentennial moment - a blend of historic reverence and 1970s aesthetic sensibility that now represents its own distinctive period in American cultural history.
Unique Features
This is an official Bicentennial commemorative postcard as confirmed by the 'C-76' code in the corner (C for commemorative 76 for 1976).
The reverse features a special Liberty Bell emblem surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies.
The card includes the designation 'PHILADELPHIA PA. AMERICA'S BIRTHPLACE of FREEDOM JULY 4 1776' - linking the specific date of the Bicentennial to its 200-year history.
Published by Mike Roberts Color Productions of Berkeley California - one of the premier postcard producers of the era - and distributed by Art Color Card Distributors of Philadelphia.
The reverse shows the distinctive 'Continental Card' branding and the vintage phone number format with letters (MA7-3773) - a disappearing piece of telecommunications history in itself.
Condition
This postcard is in exceptional mint/unused condition - a genuine time capsule from 1976 that has never been written on or mailed.
The front image remains remarkably vibrant with excellent color saturation that has not faded over its 47-year lifespan.
The card shows only minimal age-related toning/yellowing at the edges consistent with proper storage over nearly five decades.
The corners are sharp with only the slightest wear maintaining their original definition without creases bends or damage.
Both front and back surfaces are pristine without scuffs stains markings or surface wear that would diminish its collector value.
Age/Era
This postcard dates precisely to 1976 as confirmed by the copyright date on the reverse and the Bicentennial-specific design elements.
It represents the pinnacle of chrome postcard production in the 1970s with the glossy finish and vibrant color reproduction that defined the era's premium souvenir postcards.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Bicentennial in 2026 these artifacts are transforming from mere souvenirs into historically significant collectibles.
This card bridges two important eras in Philadelphia's development - showcasing both colonial landmarks and the modernizing 1970s skyline in a single cohesive design.
Rarity
While Bicentennial postcards were produced in significant quantities in 1976 finding examples in this pristine unused condition has become increasingly difficult as the 50th anniversary approaches.
Each year more of these cards disappear into institutional archives museum collections and permanent private holdings - steadily reducing the available supply for collectors.
This particular multi-view design from the 'Continental Card' series is more desirable than generic single-view Bicentennial postcards commanding higher collector interest.
As interest in both Bicentennial memorabilia and early American history continues to grow these postcards represent an affordable entry point into historical collecting that is rapidly appreciating in value.
Once this mint condition survivor is gone it's gone forever - making this potentially your last opportunity to acquire this specific design in this remarkable state of preservation.
Collector's Note
This postcard offers exceptional crossover appeal to collectors of American history Revolutionary War memorabilia Bicentennial items and Philadelphia topographical postcards.
The multi-view format showcasing all of Philadelphia's key Revolutionary landmarks makes this a particularly versatile addition to various collecting specialties.
The card's unused condition makes it perfect for both archival collecting and potential display - preserving its maximum collector value.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026 interest in all Revolutionary-related memorabilia is expected to surge dramatically making this an excellent opportunity to acquire significant items before prices rise.
This may be your ONLY CHANCE to own this particular Bicentennial design in this exceptional condition - a vanishing piece of American commemorative history that grows scarcer with each passing year.
Shipping Information
Your vintage postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve and shipped in a rigid mailer to ensure safe arrival.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of America's Bicentennial celebration - a pristine survivor from our nation's 200th birthday that will only become more valuable as we approach the 250th anniversary in 2026!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles