What was truly unique about that day was that it was the only time the stamp was offered individually (normally, the stamp was only offered along with several other 33 cent stamps as part of a larger sheet that commemorated the great moments of the 70's). On that day it was arranged for the U.S. Postal Service to set up a temporary station on track to offer cancellations of the stamp on a special certificate produced for the event. The Churchill Downs Stamp Certificate is gilded in gold and along with the actual stamp includes a photo of Secretariat in the winners circle following his record-breaking 1973 Kentucky Derby victory. It also includes the special gold-foiled cancellation showing the date as well as the Churchill Downs logo featuring the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. This is the Churchill Downs logo that has since been replaced, making this item even more historical and unique in its collectibility. Measuring 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and signed by Secretariat's owner, Penny Chenery. |
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