USA 1969 First Man On The Moon Stamp Issue

Photo: Apollo 11 astronauts, Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin unveiled the "First Man On The Moon" stamp (Scott #C76) with Postmaster General Winton M. Blount on September 9, 1969.
Back in 1968, Paul Calle was asked 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 stamp designer, Paul Calle.
The master die for this stamp was carried to the surface of the Moon by the Apollo 11 crew. Only one "moon letter" was carried by the crew and to be hand-cancelled with a "MOON LANDING JUL 20 1969 USA" postmark by Armstrong and Aldrin while they were on the Moon. However, the two astronauts' schedule were packed with scientific tasks to be carried out on the moon, leaving them no time to frank the moon letter. The letter was later "back-dated" by the crew on their way back 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
When the die returned to Earth, it was used to make the printing plates for the postage stamps that were issued by the Post Office. These postage stamps were not ready to be released to the public until September 9, 1969. A second postmark, the reproduce cancel "MOON LANDING JUL 20 1969 USA", was also applied on 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 cancelled with "First Man On The Moon" stamp on September 9, 1969, signed by the stamp designer, Paul Calle.
Limited edition first day cover with hand-drawn sketch by Paul Calle, only 11 were produced.

A 9.5" x 6.25" first day cover with a large hand-drawn sketch of the "First Man On The Moon" stamp by the stamp designer Paul Calle.
A large cover with two color hand-drawn sketches by Paul Calle (front) and Chris Calle (back). Postmarked with the first day of issue of the 1969 First Man On The Moon stamp, the 20th, 25th and 40th anniversary stamps that were designed by Paul and Chris.
Original sketch, dated October 1, 1993, by artist Chris Calle of the Lunar Module Eagle descending to the surface of the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, accomplished in graphite on an off-white 16 x 16 cardstock sheet, signed at the bottom by the artist and his father, acclaimed postal stamp artist Paul Calle. The design was created for a Marshall Islands commemorative coin series. - RRAuction
Apollo 11 maximum card with the First Man On The Moon stamp, postmarked on the first day of issue.