1962 Scott #1193 – 4¢ Project Mercury / John Glenn Orbit – Canceled

Commemorative U.S. postage stamp issued February 20, 1962, to honor Project Mercury and Lt. Col. John H. Glenn’s historic orbital flight aboard the “Friendship 7” capsule—the first time an American orbited Earth. This was the first U.S. stamp released on the same day as the event it commemorated. Printed in secrecy and distributed in sealed packets, the stamp was unveiled only after Glenn’s successful orbit. The design features the Mercury spacecraft circling Earth against a starry backdrop. Lightly mounted with stamp hinge tape, removable without damage. No gum disturbance unless noted.

- Denomination: 4 cents
- Issue Year: 1962
- Scott Catalog No. 1193
- Occasion: First American orbital spaceflight
- Subject: Project Mercury / John Glenn
- Design: Spacecraft orbiting Earth with celestial background
- Cancel Type: Black circular and wavy line cancellation
- Fit Notes: Standard commemorative size; ideal for collectors of space history, Cold War-era milestones, or NASA missions