Materials from the Postmaster General's Collection

Space Twins

Two-in-One Stamps

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5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

For the “Space Twins” of 1967, a lithographic press printed the red stripes on the capsule and the astronaut’s shoulder patch, as well as sections of light blue. The rest of the image was then added with engraving, printed on a Giori press in dark blue, aqua, and black. As a fitting tribute to the two-man Gemini program, the stamps were the first U.S. “twin stamps”—a horizontal pair forming one image. Many designs were considered; the final choice, though intended to be generic, shows astronaut Ed White performing the first U.S. spacewalk in 1965.

Artwork and Models for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

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Unused artwork for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

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Unused artwork for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

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Unused model for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

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Unused model for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

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Unused model for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, close to final design but with additional inscription

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Original artwork for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

Die Proofs for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps

Progressive die proof for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, text and numerals

Progressive die proof for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, outlines

Progressive die proof for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, without Earth detail

Die proof for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, engraving only

Die proof for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, engraving and lithography

Approval die proof for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, unsigned

Full Press Sheet for 5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” Stamps

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5¢ 1967 “Space Twins” stamps, full press sheet