1960 American Credo Series – Francis Scott Key First Day Cover | Baltimore, Maryland
This elegant 1960 United States First Day Cover belongs to the popular American Credo series and features Francis Scott Key’s immortal words: “And this be our Motto, in God is our Trust.” With an Artmaster cachet showing Key’s portrait and a waving American flag, plus the 4¢ Credo stamp, it is a patriotic treasure for collectors of American history, national symbols, and classic First Day Covers.
🧾 Key Points:
- Country: United States of America
- Date of Issue: September 14, 1960
- City of Cancellation: Baltimore, Maryland
- Stamp Value: 4¢
- Theme: American Credo Series – Francis Scott Key | “And this be our Motto, in God is our Trust”
- Historical or Cultural Relevance: Honors Francis Scott Key, author of the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and celebrates one of America’s foundational creeds emphasizing faith and trust in God as a core national value
- Estimated Market Value: $5–$15 USD, depending on condition and demand
🖼️ Product Overview:
The 1960 American Credo First Day Cover showcases a striking black-and-white cachet with a portrait of Francis Scott Key and a stylized waving American flag. The matching 4¢ red-and-cream Credo stamp repeats the motto with an elegant starburst design, perfectly canceled by the Baltimore first day postmark.
Design Elements:
- Illustrated portrait cachet of Francis Scott Key
- Stylized American flag illustration
- Official 4¢ “American Credo” stamp with the motto “And this be our Motto, in GOD is our TRUST” and F.S. Key signature
- Clear circular Baltimore, Md. postmark dated Sep 14, 9 AM, 1960
- “Art Craft” cachet signature and “American Credo Series 1960” text
Appeal to Collectors: Perfect for collectors of the American Credo series, Francis Scott Key and “The Star-Spangled Banner” topical stamps, patriotic U.S. history, or Artmaster First Day Covers from 1960.
📚 Historical Context:
Issued on September 14, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland—the city where Francis Scott Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814—this First Day Cover is part of the U.S. Postal Service’s American Credo series. The series highlighted foundational American beliefs and values. Key’s words, written as part of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” became deeply embedded in American identity and later inspired the national motto “In God We Trust.”
💎 Collectible Value:
Typical Market Value or Rarity: Artmaster-produced American Credo First Day Covers from 1960 are widely available and popular among thematic collectors. Clean examples with sharp cancellations generally sell in the $5–$15 range.
Who Would Be Interested:
- Collectors of the American Credo series
- Enthusiasts of Francis Scott Key and “The Star-Spangled Banner”
- Fans of U.S. patriotic and motto-themed philately
- General First Day Cover collectors specializing in Artmaster cachets or 1960 issues
✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:
The cachet features a laurel wreath framing Key’s famous motto, creating an almost historical document feel. The issuance in Baltimore ties the cover directly to the inspiration for the National Anthem. The stamp itself is part of a short but impactful series that used elegant typography to celebrate core American values.
Add this rare American Credo – Francis Scott Key First Day Cover to your collection today!