About This Stamp
The Post Office Department issued the fourth stamp in the American Credo series on September 14, 1960, at Baltimore, Maryland. The 4-cent stamp features a phrase from the National Anthem, written by Francis Scott Key during the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812: "And this be our motto, in God is our trust." Like the other stamps of this series, the 4-cent Key paid the postage for a one-ounce domestic-rate letter.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing printed the stamp, perforated 11, from 200-subject plates on the multicolor Giori Press. The 200-subject sheets were divided into panes of 50 for distribution to post offices. Four plates were used to print the stamp: 26683, 26693, 26695, and 26696.
Frank P. Conley of New York designed the stamp, and Charles R. Chickering modeled it. Robert J. Jones engraved the die's frame, and George L. Huber engraved its vignette.