6 1/2 x 3 5/8 in (16.5 x 9.2 cm)

Provenance and Authentication:
According to the Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) provided by the consignor, this collectible was subjected to a forensic examination. The accompanying documentation states that the signatures were evaluated with reference to multiple characteristics, including ink deposition, material and aging characteristics, stylistic consistency, and historical context. Based on the examination described in these documents, the authentication provider concluded that the findings were consistent with the attributed signatures. The LOA and COA provided by the consignor accompany the lot.

An Apollo 8 crew-signed First Day Cover, bearing the signatures of all three members of the historic mission: Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders.

The envelope bears the United States six-cent Apollo 8 commemorative stamp, featuring the Earth above the lunar horizon together with the words "In the beginning God..." The stamp is accompanied by a Houston, Texas, May 5, 1969 cancellation and a prominent "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" marking.

Apollo 8, flown by Borman, Lovell, and Anders in December 1968, marked the first crewed mission to leave low Earth orbit, travel to the Moon, and enter lunar orbit. During ten lunar orbits, the crew achieved milestones fundamental to the later Apollo lunar landings. The mission also produced William Anders's celebrated Earthrise photograph and the memorable Christmas Eve broadcast during which the crew read from the opening verses of Genesis.

Each member of the three-man crew has signed the envelope individually, with James Lovell at upper left, Frank Borman below, and William Anders across the lower portion. The signatures remain well separated and visually prominent.

Combining a fully signed Apollo 8 crew, mission-specific commemorative postage, and First Day of Issue cancellation, this cover presents an especially cohesive piece of American space exploration and postal history.