This 1965 Christmas 5¢ First Day Cover bears the U.S. stamp showing a heralding angel and carries the official November 2, 1965 Silver Bell, Arizona postmark. The attractive red Artmaster cachet depicts the Nativity with Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus beneath a glowing cross.
Issued during the early years of the modern U.S. Christmas stamp program, the 1965 issue continued the Post Office Department's tradition of releasing a seasonal stamp each November to meet heavy holiday mail volume. The design emphasized the religious significance of the season while remaining suitable for widespread postal use.
A notable detail is the Artmaster cachet's classic line-art style and the deliberate pairing with the Silver Bell, Arizona postmark, chosen for its festive name and popular among collectors. The cover is clean and well-centered with a crisp first-day cancel.
A fine addition to any Christmas topical or modern U.S. FDC collection, this example displays beautifully and represents an early chapter in the annual holiday stamp series.
