U.S. postal regulations say that "no living person shall be honored by being portrayed on a U.S. stamp." But, in fact, many living people have appeared on U.S. postage stamps.
Steven Hawley, in a special article for U.S. Stamp News, pointed out that in several instances living people have been seen on a U.S. stamp - but not named.For example, Hawley notes that on July 20, 1989 - the 20th anniversary of the first moon landing was commemorated with a $2.40 Priority Mail stamp. Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin were the only two on the moon that day, but their space suits made it impossible to determine who the men were.
Another "moon rock" occurred earlier when Neil Armstrong appeared on a 10-cent airmail in September 1969. He is the first "Man on the Moon" but his name is not mentioned and his face is not seen.
Other examples cited included the Wright Brothers stamp of 1928 showing their plane, but Orville was still alive at the time and he was the pilot.
- Syd Kronish