2016-06-18 Sat

May was indeed a significant month for historical discoveries. A wreckage of Capt. James Cook’s ship HMS Endeavor was discovered at the Newport harbour, off the state of Rhode Island.

As a teenager, Cook was a part of the British merchant navy, after which he joined the Royal Navy in 1755. His incredible service to the Royal Navy in times of War was appreciated by the Admiralty and the Royal Society. He was appointed as the commander of HM Bark Endeavour for the first of three Pacific voyages in 1766. The first 3-year voyage which he undertook on ships named Discovery and Resolution in 1768 helped Europeans connect with Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand for the first time, making it a remarkable and historical feat.

Cook has been commemorated on many stamps worldwide. The U.S issued 13¢ Capt. James Cook and 13¢ HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery stamps (Scott 1732-1733) in panes of 50 on 20th January 1978. The panes had 5 Capt. Cook stamps on the left whereas 5 Resolution and Discovery stamps each on the right. Two central columns made five sets of se-tenant pairs.

This particular set of stamps is in mint never-hinged condition. Each stamp costs 25¢ and the se-tenant pairs cost 50¢. Given a chance, 50¢ is not really a big amount to own a stamp like this one as most of them are either not in such good condition or are used up on letters or envelops.