rarepre-1900

United States 1847 Benjamin Franklin

Name: United States 1847 Benjamin Franklin
Brand: United States

United States · 1847 · 5c

This stamp features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The design is based on a drawing by James B. Longacre. As the first general-issue postage stamp authorized by the U.S. government, it marks a pivotal moment in the nation's postal history.

Issued in 1847 alongside a 10c stamp featuring George Washington, this was the first federally issued postage stamp in the United States, standardizing postal rates and practices across the country.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

presidents founding-fathers statesmen first-issue

Catalog Numbers

scott1

Image: · License:

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$2,500

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,500

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$850

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$450

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$200

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.