1873 1¢ Franklin - U.S. #156

U.S. #156
1873 1¢ Franklin
Continental Bank Note Printing

Earliest Known Use: August 22, 1873
Quantity issued: 448,290,000 (estimate)
Printed by: Continental Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Ultramarine

A distinguishing feature of this stamp, printed by the Continental Bank Note Company, is the addition of a secret mark – a small crescent in the bottom half of the pearl to the left of the numeral “I”.

In 1743, Benjamin Franklin organized the American Philosophical Society, which later evolved into the University of Pennsylvania. His multifaceted contributions included the establishment of the first public library, fire company, and insurance company.

Ben Franklin Appointed America’s First Postmaster General

On July 26, 1775, Ben Franklin, former deputy postmaster general of the American colonies, was appointed the first postmaster general of the United States.

Franklin, born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1706, had a diverse range of talents and expertise. Despite only attending school until the age of 10, he became an accomplished author, printer, freemason, scientist, inventor, activist, and statesman. At 17, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he thrived and earned the title "The First Citizen of Philadelphia."

Among his many contributions to Philadelphia were the founding of the first subscription library, the organization of the city's fire department, law enforcement reform, urban infrastructure improvements, fundraising for the Pennsylvania Hospital, and the establishment of the academy that eventually became the University of Pennsylvania.