1960 United States-Japan Centennial – First Day Cover | 100th Anniversary of the First Treaty
1960 United States-Japan Centennial – First Day Cover | 100th Anniversary of the First Treaty
This elegant 1960 United States First Day Cover commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first treaty between the United States and Japan, marking a century of diplomatic friendship and cultural exchange. Featuring a beautiful Artmaster cachet with cherry blossoms framing the Washington Monument and the official 4¢ commemorative stamp, it is a timeless collectible for enthusiasts of U.S.-Japan relations, international diplomacy, and classic First Day Covers.
🧾 Key Points:
- Country: United States of America
- Date of Issue: September 28, 1960
- City of Cancellation: Washington, D.C.
- Stamp Value: 4¢
- Theme: United States-Japan Centennial | 100th Anniversary of the First Treaty
- Historical or Cultural Relevance: Celebrates the 1860 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation, the first formal agreement between the U.S. and Japan that opened diplomatic and trade relations after Commodore Perry’s historic voyage
- Estimated Market Value: $6–$16 USD, depending on condition and demand
🖼️ Product Overview:
The 1960 United States-Japan Centennial First Day Cover presents a serene black-and-white cachet illustrating cherry blossoms in full bloom along the Tidal Basin with the Washington Monument rising in the background and a jet airliner soaring overhead—symbolizing enduring friendship and modern connections. The matching 4¢ stamp echoes the theme with cherry blossoms and the monument, complemented by a special Japan-U.S. Centennial ship cancel.
Design Elements:
- Artmaster cachet with cherry blossoms, Washington Monument, and jet plane
- Official 4¢ “United States Japan” commemorative stamp featuring cherry blossoms and the monument
- Crisp circular Washington, D.C. postmark dated Sep 28, 9 AM, 1960
- Japan-U.S. Centennial 1860-1960 pictorial cancel with sailing ship
- Elegant “100th Anniversary of the first treaty between UNITED STATES and JAPAN” lettering
Appeal to Collectors: Ideal for collectors of U.S. diplomatic history, Japanese-American relations, international friendship issues, or Artmaster First Day Covers from 1960.
📚 Historical Context:
Issued on September 28, 1960, in Washington, D.C., this First Day Cover marks the centennial of the landmark 1860 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the United States and Japan. The treaty, signed following Commodore Matthew Perry’s opening of Japan to the West, laid the foundation for more than a century of diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. The cherry blossoms and Washington Monument imagery beautifully symbolize the blending of Japanese and American traditions, while the jet plane reflects the modern era of global friendship.
💎 Collectible Value:
Typical Market Value or Rarity: Artmaster First Day Covers from this diplomatic anniversary are popular among international relations and Asian-American history collectors. Clean examples with both cancels typically range from $6 to $16, with higher values for premium condition.
Who Would Be Interested:
- Collectors of U.S.-Japan diplomatic and friendship philately
- Enthusiasts of international treaties and centennial issues
- Fans of cherry blossom and Washington, D.C. themed covers
- General First Day Cover collectors specializing in Artmaster cachets or 1960 commemoratives
✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:
The cachet’s peaceful cherry blossom scene paired with a modern jet airliner creates a lovely contrast between tradition and progress, highlighting 100 years of evolving U.S.-Japan relations. A special Japan-U.S. Centennial pictorial cancel featuring a sailing ship adds extra historical depth. Produced by Artmaster, this cover exemplifies the clean, artistic style that made their cachets highly sought after in the early 1960s.
Add this rare United States-Japan Centennial First Day Cover to your collection today!