United States 1861 Benjamin Franklin 1c Pale Blue

Name: United States 1861 Benjamin Franklin 1c Pale Blue
Brand: United States

United States · 1861 · 1c

This stamp features a right-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 denomination 'ONE CENT' is inscribed in a ribbon below the portrait, with 'U.S. POSTAGE' at the top.

Issued at the beginning of the American Civil War, this stamp was part of the 1861 series which replaced all previous issues to invalidate stamps held by Confederate states. This series was the first to be printed by the National Bank Note Company.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

portraits presidents founding-fathers statesmen

Catalog Numbers

scott63

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$5,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$4,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$3,000

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$1,500

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$750

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