Front:
USA 22
American Shorthair Gas rersian Cat
FEB
1988
10199
Balke
NY
Back:
AMERICAN SHORTHAIR AND PERSIAN
First Day of Issue: February 5, 1988
First Issue Location: New York, New York
The classic Egyptian tabby is the one from which all
breeds of cat are thought to have descended. Sporting
an auburn coat, this first shorthair was predecessor to
millions. In America, shorthaired cats are most common,
and are found in variations of black, white, tabby and
tortoiseshell. The Black Cat gets the most attention, as
its color and stealth have lent it great mystery. A true
White American Shorthair is very rare and takes years
of careful breeding to achieve. Tabbies are more com-
mon and come in brown, red and silver. Another breed
of shorthair, the Tortoiseshell, is distinguished by patches
of black, cream, or red. Tortoiseshell Cats are almost
always female. Also featured on this Maximum Card is
the Persian Cat. A member of the longhaired breeds, the
Persian is considered among the elite. Handsome and
aloof, Persians are often blue in color, although the
White-Haired variety is presumed to be the original long-
haired cat. Black Persians are very rare, but exceptionally
beautiful and highly prized by their owners.
No. 88-9
01988 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Don Balke.
