United States Postage Stamp, Scott #1
United States · 1847 · 5¢
This is the first postage stamp issued by the United States federal government. The design features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the first Postmaster General, based on a drawing by James B. Longacre. The stamp's denomination is five cents, which covered the cost of mailing a standard letter up to 300 miles.
Issued in 1847 alongside the 10¢ Washington (Scott #2), this stamp marked the standardization of the U.S. postal system, replacing the varied and inconsistent local postmasters' provisionals.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
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.
