United States 1873 1c Ultramarine Benjamin Franklin

Name: United States 1873 1c Ultramarine Benjamin Franklin
Brand: United States

United States · 1873 · 1c

This definitive stamp features a left-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The design is based on a bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The stamp is printed in ultramarine and was part of the 1873 series issued by the Continental Bank Note Company.

Issued during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War, this stamp was part of a new series that replaced the National Bank Note Company issues of 1870-71. The Continental Bank Note Company added small distinguishing marks, known as 'secret marks', to differentiate their printings.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

people politicians founding-fathers statesmen portraits

Catalog Numbers

scott156

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$150

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$100

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$40

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$15

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

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