commonpre-1900

US 1-cent Benjamin Franklin (1861)

Name: US 1-cent Benjamin Franklin (1861)
Brand: United States

United States · 1861 · 1¢

The stamp features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin in an oval frame, with 'U.S. POSTAGE' above and 'ONE CENT' below. It is printed in blue ink.

Issued during the American Civil War, this stamp is part of the 1861 series, which replaced earlier issues. Benjamin Franklin, a key Founding Father, was a recurring figure on early US definitive postage.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

historical-figure definitive

Catalog Numbers

sg73

scott68

michel68

Image: John P. Charlton, Philadelphia, USA · License: Public domain

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$10

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$2.5

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$1.25

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$0.5

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