The Post Office Department issued the first stamp in the American Credo Series on January 20, 1960, at Mount Vernon, Virginia, the home of George Washington. The 4-cent stamp features words from Washington's Farewell Address (September 17, 1796), "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations." Like the other American Credo stamps, the 4-cent Washington 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 fifty for distribution to post offices. Five plates were used to print the stamp: 26488, 26489, 26494, 26495, and 26508.
Frank P. Conley of New York designed the stamps of this series. Charles R. Chickering modeled the stamp, and Robert J. Jones engraved the die. Both worked for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.