1969-09-09 USA First Man On The Moon Stamp

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.

A "First Man on the Moon" stamp block, issued on September 9, 1969, signed by artist Paul Calle, who designed the stamp.

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.

A "First Man on the Moon" stamp block that was flown to the lunar surface aboard Apollo 14, which launched on January 31, 1971, and returned to Earth on February 9, 1971. The block was originally presented to Mrs. Ann Sakowitz by Mission Commander Alan Shepard. On the wide selvage, Shepard has handwritten in black ink: "Landed Frau Mauro / in Antares – 2/5/71 / Alan Shepard". The narrow selvage bears the signatures of Ed Mitchell and Stuart Roosa. - 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.

"First Man on the Moon" stamp variation, featuring two versions of the stamp. The stamp on the left is an error variety with the U.S. flag missing from the astronaut’s shoulder, while the stamp on the right shows the flag as intended.

An Apollo 11 launch cover featuring the mission insignia and a blue “KSC Officials” stamped cachet, postmarked at Kennedy Space Center with a machine cancel on July 16, 1969, the day of the Apollo 11 launch. The cover also commemorates the release of the “First Man on the Moon” stamp, issued on September 9, 1969, and is signed by artist Paul Calle.

A "First Man on the Moon" First Day Cover, featuring a limited edition (no. 7 of 11) hand painted sketch by artist Paul Calle.

A "First Man on the Moon" First Day Cover (9.5" x 6.25"), featuring a limited edition (no. 6 of 11) hand painted sketch by artist Paul Calle.

A “First Man on the Moon” First Day Cover, issued on September 9, 1969, featuring hand-painted sketches by Paul Calle on the front and Chris Calle on the reverse. The cover was later postmarked on the 20th, 25th, and 40th anniversaries of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, with each anniversary marking featuring stamps designed by Paul and Chris Calle.

An original graphite sketch by artist Chris Calle, dated October 1, 1993, depicting the Lunar Module Eagle descending toward the Moon’s surface during the Apollo 11 mission. Executed on an off-white 16 × 16-inch cardstock sheet, the artwork is signed at the bottom by both Chris Calle and his father, renowned postage stamp artist Paul Calle. The design was created for a commemorative coin series issued by the Marshall Islands. - RRAuction

Three postcards commemorating the Apollo 11 Moon landing and its crew, each bearing the “First Man on the Moon” stamp and postmarked on its First Day of Issue, September 9, 1969.