Title: [Joe Rosenthal Collection]
Author: Joe Rosenthal
Date: July 11, 1945
Condition: Envelopes and stamps with mild age toning, excellent
Inches: Envelopes: 6 1/2 x 3 5/8 | Stamps: 4 1/4 x 2 1/8
Centimeters: Envelopes: 16.51 x 9.20 | Stamps: 10.79 x 5.39
Product ID: 308476

Iwo Jima Photographer Joe Rosenthal Archive Dated July 11, 1945

A First Day Cover (FDC) signed by Joe Rosenthal, empty envelope, four stamps; a signed FDC with sealed envelope, one stamp, cachet depicting the flag raising superimposed over the Marine Corps logo, contents unknown; and a signed 3 cent block of four stamps.

Joe Rosenthal was an American photographer best known for capturing the iconic image of six U.S. Marines raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Working for the Associated Press, Rosenthal landed on Iwo Jima with the Marines and, four days after the initial assault, climbed Mount Suribachi carrying his heavy Speed Graphic camera. As the Marines replaced a smaller flag with a larger one to make it more visible across the island, Rosenthal snapped the famous photo in a split second, later describing the experience as “largely accidental.” He had to stand on a pile of stones to get a clear view, and as he swung his camera toward the action, he captured what would become one of the most enduring images of World War II.

The photograph, which won Rosenthal the Pulitzer Prize, became a powerful symbol of hope and unity for Americans during a difficult phase of the war. Its immediate impact was profound—boosting morale at home, inspiring war bond drives, and serving as a rallying image for the Allied cause. Despite persistent rumors that the photo was staged, Rosenthal and multiple witnesses consistently affirmed its authenticity, and the Associated Press verified it was not posed. The image’s legacy endures, not only as a record of a pivotal moment in the Pacific campaign but also as a representation of the sacrifices and spirit of the American military.

An Intriguing Find

We are particularly excited about the sealed envelope. The envelope was sealed prior to cancellation, presumably by Joe Rosenthal himself. We resisted the temptation to open the envelope and will leave its mysterious contents to the fortunate collector who acquires this fabulous article of American military history.

Military

[Joe Rosenthal Collection]: Rosenthal, 1945