A Comprehensive Guide to US Postage Stamps and History

The United States has a rich history of postage stamps, with the first one issued in 1847. The Benjamin Franklin stamp, featuring the image of the famous statesman, was the first to be printed.

Benjamin Franklin's image has been featured on several US postage stamps, including a 1908 issue that honored his role in securing French support for the American Revolution.

The first US postage stamp, the 5-cent Franklin stamp, was printed in black ink on paper, with a simple design that featured Franklin's portrait.

The US Postal Service has been issuing new stamps regularly since the first one was introduced, with over 500 different designs produced to date.

The earliest American postal service was established in the 1600s by King William and Queen Mary, who authorized Thomas Neale to send and receive letters and money.

Independent postal services running from Boston to New York were already up and running as early as 1639.

Readers also liked: Frankfurt Am Main Germany Zip Code

The first adhesive stamps were issued by the "City Despatch Post" in New York City in 1842.

These early stamps were a significant milestone in the history of American postage.

The "United States City Despatch Post" name was adopted when the US government acquired the private postal service.

Perforation marks on US post stamps were introduced in the late 1850s, making it easier to separate individual stamps.

The first perforated American postage stamps were issued in new denominations of 24c, 30c, and 90c, featuring images of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

The first adhesive stamps in the US were issued by the "City Despatch Post" in New York City in 1842.

These stamps marked a significant milestone in the history of American postage, paving the way for the modern stamps we use today.

The City Despatch Post was a private postal service that was later acquired by the US government and renamed the "United States City Despatch Post".

The 1902-1903 definitive stamps were a significant departure from tradition, featuring printed names and birth and death dates of the subjects, a design element typically found on Commemorative stamps.

These stamps were the first to be entirely designed and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and their Baroque revival style is reminiscent of the Pan-American commemoratives issued in 1901.

There are fourteen denominations ranging from 1-cent to 5-dollars, each with its own unique design.

The 2-cent George Washington stamp appeared with two different designs, with the original version being poorly received.

The 8-cent stamp features an image of Martha Washington, making her the first woman to be included in a U.S. definitive series.

In the early 1900s, the postal service continued to produce commemorative sets in conjunction with important national expositions. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904 prompted a set of five stamps.

A trio of stamps commemorated the Jamestown Exposition, held in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1907. These stamps marked a new era of commemorative issues, one that would eventually include stamps for notable historical figures, organizations, and events.

The Post Office issued a commemorative stamp unconnected to an exposition for the first time in 1909, with the Lincoln Memorial issue. This set the stage for future commemorative issues that would celebrate anniversaries of notable historical figures and events.

The Famous Americans Series of 1940 was a notable issue, featuring 35 stamps that honored America's famous individuals. These stamps were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

The series was unique in that it was printed with only 280 stamp images on the plate, compared to the standard 400 images for the Presidential series. This resulted in larger stamps.

Booker T. Washington became the first African-American to be honored on a U.S. stamp as part of this series. His inclusion marked a significant milestone in the history of U.S. postage stamps.

The 3¢ stamps in the series featured a bright red-violet color, a departure from the traditional purple hue. This color choice added a pop of vibrancy to the stamps.

The series celebrated a range of notable individuals, including poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Walt Whitman.

The United States issued its first postage stamps in 1847. Before that time, letters' rates, dates, and origins were written by hand or sometimes in combination with a handstamp device.

Initial United States postage rates were set by Congress as part of the Postal Service Act signed into law by President George Washington on February 20, 1792.

The postal rate varied according to "distance zone", the distance a letter was to be carried from the post office where it entered the mail to its final destination.

The US Post Office was born in 1775 with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. This marked the beginning of a long history of mail and postmarks that would provide valuable insights into the country's past.

In the 19th century, post offices sprouted up along railroad lines and at military posts, generating mail and postmarks that are now highly sought after by historians and collectors. These unique postmarks often included the name of the state and town, along with a distinctive date.

The categorization of post offices by class based on revenue generated is an interesting aspect of US postal history. Between 1874 and 1976, post offices were classified from first to fourth class, with first being the highest.

The 1847 postal rates were set by Congress and varied according to distance zone. The United States issued its first postage stamps in 1847, which were used for mail to or from the Pacific Coast.

The first perforated American postage stamps were introduced in the late 1850s, but the earliest issues of the perforated US stamps bore the images of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, just like their imperforated counterparts.

The Plating of the 10¢ 1847 was published in the Collectors Club Philatelist between April 1924 and July 1926. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the distribution data for the 1847 stamps.

The 1847 Issue of United States Stamps by Lester Brookman is a comprehensive guide to the stamps of that era. However, most of its contents are now included in the 2 and 3 Vol. Brookman.

Here are some notable publications related to the 1847 issue:

These resources offer a wealth of information on the 1847 stamps and their usage.

The 1869 Pictorial Issue was a notable moment in US postal history, featuring the first use of two-color printing on US stamps. This innovation led to the first invert errors.

One of the most interesting aspects of this issue is the variety of subjects featured on the stamps. The 2¢ stamp depicted a Pony Express rider, while the 3¢ stamp showed a locomotive.

The 1869 Pictorial Issue was not a hit with the general public, who were accustomed to classic portrayals of Washington, Franklin, and other forefathers on their postage stamps.

The Post Office began producing pre-stamped post cards in 1873, featuring a Liberty-head one-cent stamp design on one side.

Here's a brief rundown of the 1869 Pictorial Issue stamps:

The first-class letter rate was reduced from 3¢ to 2¢ in 1883, leading to a redesign of the existing 3¢ green Washington stamp, which became a 2¢ brown issue.

The US Civil War had a significant impact on the US postal service. The entire postal service was badly affected when the war broke out in 1861.

John H. Reagan, the Postmaster General of the Confederate States, ordered that all US postage stamps issued by local postmasters should be returned to Washington DC. This led to a country-wide postal stamp embargo.

New issues of US postal stamps were circulated after the embargo. The new American stamps featured the "US" initials on the design. In 1863, a 2cent black stamp was issued with the image of Andrew Jackson, now referred to as the "Black Jack" by stamp collectors.

The introduction of new stamps during the Civil War era marked a significant shift in the US postal service's history.

The US First Stamp was a 5-cent red brown US postage stamp featuring Benjamin Franklin, which was released on July 1, 1847. It was warmly received by the American public, with over 3,700,000 pieces sold.

The first definitives in the history of the US postage stamps did not have perforation marks. The 10c US stamps, also released in 1847, were produced in 865,000 pieces.

Benjamin Franklin was the first American to be featured on a US postal stamp. He was a key figure in the development of the US postal system and made many improvements to it during his time as deputy postmaster general.

The US first stamp was a significant milestone in the history of US philately. It marked the beginning of a new era in postal stamp design and issuance.

The first US commemorative stamp was released in 1893 to add publicity to the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. However, the first American memorial stamp featuring Abraham Lincoln's image was released in 1866, a year after his assassination.

Here is a list of the first US stamps, including their denominations and release dates:

These early stamps were a crucial part of the development of the US postal system and paved the way for the many innovative stamp designs and issuances that followed.

The Washington-Franklin era of US postal history was a time of great change and innovation. This era began in 1908 and lasted for several years, during which time the Post Office experimented with different perforation sizes, watermarking techniques, and printing methods.

One of the most notable aspects of this era was the introduction of commemorative stamps. In 1909, the Post Office issued its first individual commemorative stamps, honoring the Lincoln Centennial, the Alaska-Yukon Exposition, and the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in New York. These stamps were unique in that they featured a portrait format, unlike other commemoratives released between 1893 and 1926, which were produced exclusively in landscape format.

The Washington-Franklin era also saw the introduction of domestic parcel post service in 1913. The Post Office released a series of 12 Parcel Post stamps in December 1912, ranging in denomination from 1¢ to $1, all printed in red and designed in the wide Columbian format.

A notable aspect of the Parcel Post series was that it included a 20¢ denomination, which proved useful and was later added to the Washington-Franklin issues in 1914, along with a 30¢ stamp.

The Two Cent Red stamps issued during 1926-1932 were a significant part of US postal history. These stamps commemorated the 150th anniversaries of Battles and Events from the American Revolution.

The Liberty Bell 150th Anniversary Issue of 1926 was the first of these stamps, designed by Clair Aubrey Huston and engraved by J.Eissler & E.M.Hall.

More than a dozen of these stamps were issued during this period, all bearing the Two Cent Red design.

The rate for carrying a letter changed to 3 cents on July 6, 1932, marking the end of the Two Cent Red's use for mail.

World War II had a significant impact on the US Postal History. The war effort required the postal service to adapt and expand its operations.

The US government issued a series of commemorative stamps to honor the war effort. These stamps featured iconic images such as the American flag, eagles, and patriotic scenes.

The postal service also played a crucial role in sending care packages to troops serving overseas. Mail volume increased dramatically during this period, with many letters and packages being sent to soldiers in combat zones.

The US military used a special postal system to deliver mail to troops in the field. This system allowed mail to be sorted and delivered quickly, often within a matter of days.

The postal service also helped to boost morale by sending care packages and letters to troops. These packages often contained small comforts such as food, clothing, and entertainment.

The war effort also led to the introduction of new postal services, including airmail and postal money orders.

Post-World War II was a transformative time for the US Postal Service. The war effort had created a surge in mail volume, and the service was struggling to keep up.

The US Postal Service was reorganized in 1947 to better meet the demands of a growing population and increased mail volume. The reorganization led to the creation of 11 regional postal zones.

The introduction of zone mailers, which allowed for more efficient sorting and processing of mail, was a key innovation during this period. Zone mailers helped reduce processing times and increase delivery speeds.

As the US economy boomed in the 1950s, mail volume continued to rise, with the number of pieces of mail increasing by over 50% between 1946 and 1956.

The USPS Forever was a concept born out of the need for standardized postage rates. The United States issued its first postage stamps in 1847.

Initially, postal rates varied greatly depending on the distance a letter was to be carried. Rates were adopted in 1847 for mail to or from the Pacific Coast.

The USPS also introduced double and triple rates for larger letters. Ship fees were added for mail sent to Hawaii.

Before postage stamps existed, letters' rates, dates, and origins were written by hand or sometimes in combination with a handstamp device.

The US Post Office has a rich history that spans over two centuries. In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General, marking the birth of the U.S. Post Office.

The Post Office grew alongside the country, with new towns and villages popping up, each with its own unique postmark. These postmarks have provided a window into a given time and place.

Between 1874 and 1976, post offices were categorized from first to fourth classes based on revenue generated, with first being the highest. This system helped the Post Office organize and manage its operations more efficiently.

Some notable dates include multiple dates in 1861, Aug. 29, 1893, and Oct. 17, 1898. These dates can offer valuable insights into US history and are often sought after by historians and collectors.

Here are some examples of special post offices and their unique postmarks:

Each postmark is unique, with its own name of state and town, in addition to its distinctive date. This makes them highly valuable for historians and collectors.

The early 20th century was a transformative time for the US Postal Service. The definitive stamps of 1902-1903 were a significant departure from tradition, featuring ornate sculptural frames and printed names and birth and death dates of the subjects.

These stamps were the first to be entirely designed and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and their Baroque revival style was reminiscent of the Pan-American commemoratives issued in 1901. A total of fourteen denominations were released, ranging from 1-cent to 5-dollars.

The 2-cent George Washington stamp had two different designs, with the original version being poorly received. Each of the other values had its own individual design, making this series particularly notable.

The Washington-Franklin era began in 1908, with many subtle variants appearing over the years. The Post Office experimented with different perforation sizes, watermarking, and printing methods, resulting in several hundred distinct types of stamps.

The Washington-Franklin series was the era of the postcard craze, and almost every antique shop in the US will have some postcards with green 1¢ or red 2¢ stamps from this series. In 1910, the Post Office began phasing out the double-lined watermark, replacing it with the USPS logo in smaller single-line letters.

Some notable commemorative stamps from this period include the Lincoln Centennial, the Alaska-Yukon Exposition, and the tercentennial/centennial Hudson-Fulton Celebration. These stamps were the first individual commemoratives issued by the Post Office and marked a shift towards more modern design.

The first domestic parcel post service was introduced in 1913, with a series of twelve Parcel Post stamps released in December 1912. These stamps were printed in red and designed in the wide Columbian format, with the eight lowest values illustrating aspects of mail handling and delivery.

The Trans-Mississippi Issue of 1898 was a notable series of stamps, originally intended to be two-toned but simplified to single colors due to the BEP's resources being overtaxed by the Spanish-American War. The stamps were received favorably, and many collectors consider the $1 "Western Cattle in Storm" the most attractive of all US stamps.

The Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo, New York in 1901 was commemorated with a series of six stamps ranging from 1¢ to 10¢. This series was less costly than the previous ones, but paradoxically resulted in a substantial increase in Post Office profits.

The Pan-American series also featured the so-called invert errors on rare copies of the 1¢, 2¢ and 4¢ stamps, caused by upside-down placement of some sheets during the two-stage printing process.

The American Bank Note Company designed the US postal stamps from 1870 to 1893, earning them the nickname "banknote stamps." These stamps featured portraits of great Americans.

The banknote stamps were produced from 1870 to 1893.

They were enhanced with security features like grills and secret marks incorporated into the stamp design.

The Z Grill Stamp is a rare and historic American stamp.

It features the profile of Benjamin Franklin on its design.

The use of the US Z Grill stamps started in 1867.

They were phased out in 1871.

Today, the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill is one of the rarest American stamps in history.

The Official Records of US Postal History from 1834-1851 are a treasure trove of information for historians and collectors alike. This exceptional book, published by the US Philatelic Classics Society, is a limited edition of about 25 copies.

The book provides a comprehensive look at the early days of the US Postal Service, including the introduction of adhesive postage stamps in 1845-1853, as mentioned in James S. Leonardo's book, "The Introduction of Adhesive Postage Stamps in Iowa 1845-1853". This period saw significant growth and changes in the postal system, with the introduction of new post offices and postmarks.

The Official Records book also delves into the history of post offices along railroad lines and military posts, which have their own special historical aspect. Mail and postmarks generated from these places can offer valuable insights into US history.

Here's a breakdown of the key dates related to the Official Records:

The book is a must-have for anyone interested in US postal history, and its limited edition makes it a rare and valuable find.

Hawaii's 1894-99 Two Cent Stamp was plated by Albert J. Schwalm, a notable expert in the field.

The United States introduced vending and affixing machine perforations in 1907.

These perforations were a significant innovation in mail processing, making it easier to separate individual stamps from larger sheets.

The use of vending and affixing machine perforations continued until 1927.

The United States Essays 1879-1986 are a fascinating area of study for postal history enthusiasts. The Post Office Seals of the United States, Vol. One, The Regular Issues by Adam Perkal and Seymour Kazman is a comprehensive guide to regular seals from 1872.

This book provides a catalog and pricing guide for collectors. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about US postal history.

The book features 160 pages of information, complete with 100 illustrations. This level of detail is sure to delight collectors and historians alike.

The book is bound with cloth sewn signatures, giving it a sturdy and long-lasting quality. The price of this book is $45.00, making it an affordable addition to any postal history collection.

The US Post Office has a rich history, and one aspect that's often overlooked is the various seals they've used over the years.

The Registry Seal and Envelopes of 1872 were a significant development, marking the beginning of a new era in postal history.

These early seals were used to authenticate and track registered mail, a service that's still available today.

The Post Office has also used Special Purpose Labels for various purposes, such as indicating special handling or restricted access.

One notable example is the Dead Letter Office Labels, which are used to identify mail that's been unable to be delivered.

The Issue of 1877, 1879, 1888, 1900, and 1907 saw significant changes in the design and functionality of Post Office seals.

In times of war, the Post Office issued Black Wartime Issues, which were used to indicate the importance of mail during this period.

The Black and White, 1919 seal is another notable example, featuring a distinctive design that's still recognizable today.

Modern Post Office seals have continued to evolve, with new designs and technologies being introduced over the years.

Quartermaster Seals, Typeset Seals, and Miscellaneous seals are all part of the rich tapestry of US Post Office history.

Here's a list of some of the notable Post Office seal issues:

You can celebrate U.S. Postage Stamp Day by sending a letter with pre-paid postage to a friend or family member and sharing the history of stamps.

Commemorative stamps are a great way to make your letters stand out, and you can even create your own unique stamps using the Homeschool Holiday design a postage stamp template download.

The history of U.S. postage rates is fascinating, and you can learn more about it through the Happy Hive Shop's free download, which includes a Google Slide presentation and a video featuring Mrs. Crabtree.

Benjamin Franklin was the first American to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp, which was issued in 1847.

Before stamps were required, mail was sent using the Pony Express, a mail service that delivered mail between the East and West coasts of the United States.

You can learn more about the History of Stamps, including the introduction of Forever Stamps and Zip Codes, through the Happy Hive Shop's complete resource.

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum has an object spotlight on the first U.S. postage stamp, which honored Benjamin Franklin, a patriot and statesman.

The Smithsonian's website also has an article about the U.S. Post Office and its history, including the significance of Benjamin Franklin on the first postage stamp.

US Postal Records and Documents are a treasure trove for history buffs and researchers alike.

The US Postal Service has been keeping records of postage stamps and mail delivery since the 1700s, with early records dating back to 1792. These records are a valuable resource for understanding the development of the US postal system.

You can access these records at the National Archives and Records Administration, which houses a vast collection of postal records, including mailbags, postal registers, and other historical documents.

The encased postage stamp, an innovative solution to the Civil War-era coin shortage, was invented by John Gault in 1862. It consisted of a normal U. S. stamp wrapped around a circular cardboard disc and placed inside a coin-like circular brass jacket.

The transparent mica window in the jacket allowed the face of the stamp to be seen, making it a practical and convenient form of currency. A total of eight denominations, ranging from 1 cent to 90 cents, were offered in encased versions.

Business firms often advertised on the metal backs of the jackets with raised lettering, promoting their goods and services to the public. Some notable examples include the Aerated Bread Company and Ayer's Sarsaparilla and Cathartic Pills.

The use of encased postage stamps was a short-lived solution, but it played an important role in the history of US currency. The practice of using stamps as currency was eventually abandoned in favor of more traditional forms of payment.

The US Watermark has a rich history, and it's interesting to note that 1893 marked the year the US postal service started using watermarked stamp paper.

This innovation was a major breakthrough in postal security, and it quickly became synonymous with secure postal services.

The use of watermarked stamps became popular, but it eventually waned after 1917.

By 1938, the USPS had stopped making American watermarked stamps altogether.

If you're interested in delving into the fascinating world of US postal bibliography and philately, there are numerous resources available to help you get started. The Types and Plates of the U.S. One Cent 1851-1857 by Stanley B. Ashbrook is an excellent basic book that's been around since 1926.

One of the most comprehensive references on the subject is the Directory of 10¢ 1847 Covers by Creighton C. Hart and Susan M. McDonald, published in 1970. This 155-page book is a goldmine of information, but be prepared to shell out $85.00 for a copy.

If you're looking for something a bit more affordable, the U.S. Ten Cent Stamp of 1855-1857 by Stanley B. Ashbrook is a great option, priced at $27.50. This 87-page book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of US postage stamps.

For those interested in the 2¢ Red stamp, U.S. Cancels 1890-1900 by Sol Salkind is a must-have, with its 128 pages of detailed information and reference numbers.

Here's a list of some notable books on US postal bibliography and philately:

If you're interested in the history of US postal issues, the Bibliography of Dates of Issue and of Earliest Known Usages On Cover for U.S. Postal Issues 1847-1920 by David S. Zubatsky is a valuable resource, with its 4th Quarter, PLR edition available for $6.00. However, be aware that there's also a VF edition available for $145.00.

In 1842, local postmasters in the US were allowed to issue their own postal stamps, which are now known as the postmasters' provisionals. These stamps were made on their own and were only valid at the post office they were issued from.

The postage stamp price was so high that it crippled the postal service until 1844. Only a few people could afford the high postal rates.

In 1845, the US Congress ordered that all American provisional stamps would have a uniform postage stamp price. This was a significant change that helped make postal services more accessible.

The provisional stamps were embossed with tiny indentations that absorbed the cancellation ink to prevent reuse. This was a clever solution to a common problem at the time.

In 1861, the Civil War broke out and the entire postal service was badly affected. John H. Reagan, the Postmaster General of the Confederate States, ordered that all US postage stamps issued by the local postmasters be returned to Washington DC.

A 2cent black stamp featuring Andrew Jackson was issued in 1863, which is now known as the "Black Jack". This stamp is highly prized by stamp collectors today.

The 1920s-1930s was a transformative time for US postage stamps. The Series of 1922 dominated the decade, featuring the first new design of definitive stamps in a generation.

The lower value stamps depicted various presidents, with the 5c stamp being a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt. The higher value stamps showed an American Indian, the Statue of Liberty, and other iconic American landmarks.

Stamp printing was shifting from flat plate presses to rotary presses during this period, resulting in stamps with two perforations: 11 for flat plate and 11x10.5 for rotary. Theft problems in the Midwest led to the Kansas-Nebraska overprints on regular stamps in 1929.

Commemorative stamps became a regular occurrence from 1924 onwards, with several 150th anniversaries connected to the American Revolutionary War being celebrated. The first US souvenir sheet was issued for the Battle of White Plains sesquicentennial, and the first overprint, "MOLLY / PITCHER", was used to honor the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth.

The US Postal History Timeline has seen some significant changes over the years. The first postage stamp, the "Benjamin Franklin" stamp, was introduced in 1847.

In 1851, the US Postal Service began issuing prepaid postage stamps, making it easier for people to send mail. This was a game-changer for the postal industry.

The Pony Express, a mail service that delivered mail from the East Coast to the West Coast, was established in 1860. It was a remarkable feat that took just 10 days to complete.

The introduction of the postage meter in 1920 revolutionized the way mail was processed. It made it possible to print postage directly onto envelopes and packages.

The zip code system was introduced in 1963, making it easier for mail to be sorted and delivered. This was a huge improvement over the previous system.