F1601

Moon Landing

20th Anniversary

Winter 2020 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 18 F1601, F1602 — First Moon Landing — (7-20-89)

This lot has much going for it, and I am pleased to offer both of these Collins first day covers. On July 20, 1969, the Apollo Lunar Module "Eagle" piloted by Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon's surface. On July 21st Commander Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon. Nineteen minutes later, Aldrin joined him. President John F. Kennedy's stated goal of landing on the moon before decade's end had been accomplished The "01" shows Armstrong saluting the planted American flag. The "Eagle" sits nearby as the earth is visible in the black sky of space. The large, high value $2.40 stamp depicts both astronauts planting the flag. I obtained the perfect day of issue cancel from "Landing," New Jersey, The "02" shows a couple in a high-fm convertible viewing the New York City skyline with a full moon overhead. The new lunar priority mail stamp is tied to the envelope with the first day of issue bullseye postmark from Washington, D.C. I believe that this is the first time these two covers have been offered in one of my sales.