 |
| Photo: Apollo 11 astronauts Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, and Buzz Aldrin unveiled the "First Man On The Moon" stamp (Scott #C76) alongside Postmaster General Winton M. Blount on September 9, 1969. |
In 1968,
Paul Calle was commissioned to design a stamp to commemorate the "First Man On The Moon." The assignment was kept in secret.
 |
| "First Man On The Moon" stamp block signed by the designer, Paul Calle. |
The master die for this stamp was taken to the Moon by the Apollo 11 crew. Only one "moon letter" was carried by the astronauts, intended to be hand-canceled with a "MOON LANDING JUL 20 1969 USA" postmark by Armstrong and Aldrin while they were on the lunar surface. However, their packed schedule filled with scientific tasks did not allow them time to stamp the letter. Instead, the crew "back-dated" the letter during their return to Earth, which took place on July 22, 1969.
 |
| "First Man On The Moon" (Scott #C76) plate block of four stamps that flew to the surface of the moon on Apollo 14, January 31 - February 9, 1971. Originally presented to Mrs. Ann Sakowitz by Alan Shepard. On the wide selvage, the Mission Commander has written in black ink: "Landed Frau Mauro/ in Antares- 2/5/71/ Alan Shepard". On the narrow selvage are the signatures in blue ink: "Ed Mitchell" and "Stuart A Roosa". This came from the collection of Robert T. Sakowitz. - Heritage Auctions |
Upon its return to Earth, the die was utilized to create the printing plates for the postage stamps issued by the Post Office. These stamps were not made available to the public until September 9, 1969. Additionally, a second postmark, the reproduced cancellation "MOON LANDING JUL 20 1969 USA," was also applied to the first day covers.
 |
| The stamp on the left is an error variation with missing US flag on the astronaut's shoulder. |
 |
| KSC Apollo 11 launch cover canceled with the "First Man On The Moon" stamp on September 9, 1969, and signed by the stamp designer, Paul Calle. |
 |
| Limited edition first day cover featuring a hand-drawn sketch by the stamp designer, Paul Calle. |
 |
| A 9.5" x 6.25" first day cover featuring a large hand-drawn sketch of the "First Man On The Moon" stamp by the designer Paul Calle. |
 |
| A large cover featuring hand-drawn sketches in two colors by Paul Calle (front) and Chris Calle (back). It is postmarked with the first day of issue of the 1969 First Man On The Moon stamp, as well as the 20th, 25th, and 40th anniversary stamps designed by Paul and Chris. |
 |
| Original sketch dated October 1, 1993, by artist Chris Calle depicting the Lunar Module Eagle descending to the Moon's surface during the Apollo 11 mission. The sketch, done in graphite on an off-white 16 x 16 cardstock sheet, is signed at the bottom by both the artist and his father, renowned postal stamp artist Paul Calle. This design was created for a commemorative coin series from the Marshall Islands. - RRAuction |
 |
| Three maximum cards featuring the "First Man on the Moon" stamp. |
