United States First Issue, 1847
Also known as: 1847 Issue
Well documentedSupported by multiple reputable specialist catalogues or publications.
Period
1847
Issuing entity
United StatesFirst general issue of adhesive postage stamps of the United States, comprising a five cent stamp bearing Benjamin Franklin and a ten cent stamp bearing George Washington.
Historical context
The issue followed the postal act that established uniform national rates; earlier adhesives were local postmasters' provisionals rather than general issues.
Physical characteristics
- Denominations
- Five cents and ten cents
Technical characteristics
- Printing
- Line-engraved
- Perforation
- Imperforate
Design
- Ten cents
- George Washington
- Five cents
- Benjamin Franklin
Identification
- Caution
- Reproductions and reprints of this issue exist and must be distinguished by a specialist
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Catalogue numbers to be transcribed from a verified edition
- Printing and reprint distinctions to be recorded with citations