As a lifelong philatelist and professional coin dealer, I‘ve long been fascinated by the classic postage stamps of the 19th century. These miniature works of art were the building blocks of America‘s postal system and they continue to be highly sought-after by collectors around the world. Among the many iconic stamps of this era, the 1 cent Benjamin Franklins stand out as some of the most historically significant and potentially valuable.
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore the rich history and enduring appeal of these classic stamps. From the story behind Franklin‘s selection as a stamp subject to the many rare varieties that can be worth a small fortune, we‘ll cover everything you need to know to appreciate and collect 1 cent Franklins like an expert.
Benjamin Franklin: The First American Stamp Star
Before we dive into the stamps themselves, let‘s take a moment to consider the man whose portrait graces them: Benjamin Franklin. One of the most brilliant and accomplished figures of the 18th century, Franklin was a true polymath – a scientist, inventor, writer, publisher, diplomat, and political leader. His groundbreaking work in electricity, his witty aphorisms (e.g. "A penny saved is a penny earned"), and his key role in the founding of the United States have made him an enduring icon.
Fittingly, Franklin was also instrumental in the development of America‘s postal system. As joint postmaster general for the colonies, he streamlined and expanded mail delivery and introduced innovations like night delivery and home collection boxes. He even designed some of America‘s earliest pictorial cancellations as postmaster of Philadelphia.
Given this background, it‘s no surprise that Franklin was chosen to be the first American featured on a U.S. postage stamp. When the U.S. Post Office issued its first stamps in 1847, Franklin and George Washington were selected as the subjects. Franklin has remained a fixture on U.S. stamps ever since, with over 130 different stamp designs honoring him to date.
A Penny for Your Thoughts: The 1 Cent Franklins
The first 1 cent stamp to depict Benjamin Franklin was issued in 1851 as part of the U.S. Post Office‘s first full series of adhesive postage stamps. The portrait of Franklin used on this stamp was based on a marble bust by French sculptor Jean-Jacques Caffieri. This classic left-facing profile of Franklin would be used as the basis for the design of all 1 cent stamps for the next 60+ years.
Some of the most notable 1 cent Franklin stamps from this period include:
| Scott | Year | Description | Printing | Dimensions | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #5 | 1851 | 1c Blue, Type I | Engraved | 19x22mm | Blue |
| #7 | 1851 | 1c Blue, Type II | Engraved | 19x22mm | Blue |
| #8 | 1851 | 1c Blue, Type III | Engraved | 19x22mm | Blue |
| #24 | 1857 | 1c Blue, Type V | Engraved | 19x22mm | Blue |
| #63 | 1861 | 1c Blue | Engraved | 19x22mm | Blue |
| #92 | 1868 | 1c Franklin Z Grill | Engraved | 19x22mm | Blue |
| #145 | 1870 | 1c Ultramarine | Engraved | 19x22mm | Ultramarine |
| #156 | 1873 | 1c Ultramarine, Continental | Engraved | 19x22mm | Ultramarine |
| #182 | 1879 | 1c Blue | Engraved | 20x25mm | Blue |
| #206 | 1882 | 1c Gray Blue | Engraved | 20x25mm | Gray Blue |
| #247 | 1894 | 1c Ultramarine, Unwmk | Engraved | 20x25mm | Ultramarine |
| #300 | 1902 | 1c Blue Green | Engraved | 22x25mm | Blue Green |
Each of these stamps has its own story and appeal to collectors. Many feature minute variations in line and shading, rare perforation varieties, or scarce experimental papers and gums. Next we‘ll take a closer look at the 1 cent Franklins that are considered the "holy grails" for collectors.
Rare and Valuable 1 Cent Franklin Varieties
1868 1c Z Grill (Scott #85A)
The most legendary 1 cent Franklin stamp is unquestionably the 1868 1c Z Grill. Distinguished by the "Z Grill" embossed pattern pressed into the paper to prevent reuse, only two examples have been confirmed to exist. One of these sold at auction in 1998 for $935,000. Adjusting for inflation, that would be over $1.5 million today – and this unique stamp would likely command several times that if offered for sale now.
1851 1c Blue, Type I (Scott #5)
Another key rarity is the 1851 1c Blue from Plate 1 Early, Type I, distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. In 2016, an unused example graded XF-Superb 95 by Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) sold for $37,500. Even lower grade examples of this scarce type regularly sell for four-figure prices.
1857 1c Blue, Type Ia (Scott #19)
Often called the most beautiful of all U.S. stamps, the 1857 1c Type Ia is known for its rich color, sharp impression, and near-perfect centering. In used condition, prices for attractive four-margin examples start around $10,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the finest known copies.
1851 1c Blue, Type Ib (Scott #5A)
Another iconic stamp, the Type Ib is similar to the Type I but with slightly different ornamentation at top and bottom. Unused examples in very fine grade sell for $30,000-$50,000, putting this stamp in reach for serious collectors.
How to Grade and Value 1 Cent Franklins
As we‘ve seen, the value of a 1 cent Franklin stamp can range from a few dollars to over a million based on a number of key factors. Let‘s break down what professional philatelists look at when grading and valuing these classic stamps:
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Centering – How well-centered is the stamp design within the margins? Stamps that are perfectly centered are more desirable and valuable.
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Impression – Is the printed design sharp and detailed or worn and blurry? Look for stamps with strong, crisp lines.
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Color – The color should be bright, fresh, and unfaded. Some rare color varieties (e.g. "Prussian Blue") are highly sought-after.
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Cancellation – If used, does the stamp have a light unobtrusive cancel or a heavy, messy one? Certain cancels like colored or fancy designs can add to a stamp‘s value.
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Gum – For mint stamps, the gum on the back should be original (not regummed), undisturbed, and free of skips or blemishes. Stamps with pristine gum are worth a premium.
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Margins – Ideally, a stamp will have four full margins outside of the printed design. Stamps where the design touches the edge on one or more sides are less desirable.
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Condition – Are there any creases, tears, thins, or other defects? Damage can significantly reduce a stamp‘s value.
Putting it all together, a stamp‘s grade is typically expressed on a 100 point scale, with 100 being pristine, "gem" quality. Stamps rated from 50-70 are generally considered collectible, 70-90 are very fine to extremely fine, and 90-100 are superb to perfect.
Since grading is subjective, most serious collectors and dealers rely on professional authentication for high-value stamps. Services like The Philatelic Foundation (PF) or Professional Stamp Experts (PSE) will certify a stamp‘s authenticity and grade for a fee. Their certificates add confidence and value in the marketplace.
Notable 1 Cent Franklin Collectors
Over the years, some of the biggest names in philately have pursued 1 cent Franklins. Financier Bill Gross built his award-winning collection of U.S. 19th century stamps, including many key Franklins, before selling it through Siegel Auction Galleries for nearly $10 million in 2018.
Other prominent Franklin collectors past and present include:
- Robert Zoellner, the only collector to ever build a complete collection of U.S. stamps
- Ryohei Ishikawa, whose collection of U.S. 1847-1869 issues has won international gold medals
- Benjamin K. Miller, who donated his extensive collection to The New York Public Library in 1925
- Louis Grunin, an early 20th century collector whose Franklins now reside in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum
These collectors have set many of the price records for rare 1 cent Franklins over the years and helped to promote the hobby as a whole.
Tips for Collecting 1 Cent Franklins
If you‘re new to collecting these classic stamps, here are some tips to help you get started:
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Buy the best you can afford. It‘s better to have a few high-quality stamps than many lower grade ones.
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Focus on a particular issue or time period to start. Trying to collect every Franklin at once can be overwhelming.
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Learn to grade stamps yourself. Even if you rely on professionals for final verification, knowing what to look for will make you a smarter collector.
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Explore the world of cancellations. In addition to the stamps themselves, 19th century postal markings offer rich collecting opportunities.
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Connect with other collectors. Joining a philatelic society or attending stamp shows is a great way to learn more about the hobby.
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Consider investing in reference books. Resources like Linn‘s U.S. Stamp Facts or Brookman‘s The United States Postage Stamps of the 19th Century can be invaluable guides.
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Be patient. Building a great collection of 1 cent Franklins takes time. Enjoy the hunt and don‘t be discouraged if you can‘t afford the rarest examples right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are 1 cent Franklin stamps a good investment?
A: Over the long-term, rare stamps have delivered impressive returns for collectors. That said, stamp collecting is a hobby first and an investment second. Buy stamps you love and view any appreciation as a bonus.
Q: What‘s the most ever paid for a 1 cent Franklin?
A: The record stands at $935,000 for the 1868 1c Z Grill, one of only two known examples.
Q: Aren‘t all old stamps rare and valuable?
A: No, age alone does not determine rarity or value. Some 19th century U.S. stamps are quite common, while others have only a handful of known surviving examples. Doing your research is key.
Q: I have a damaged 1 cent Franklin – is it worth anything?
A: Possibly. Even damaged examples of the rarest 1 cent Franklins have value, although it will be significantly less than a pristine copy. Have it evaluated by a professional if you are unsure.
Conclusion
Collecting 1 cent Benjamin Franklin stamps is a fascinating pursuit that combines art, history, and commerce. From the earliest imperforate issues to the experimental grills and papers, these classic stamps offer rich opportunities for collectors of all levels. By understanding the key types, varieties, and grading factors, you can build a collection that is both personally meaningful and potentially valuable.
Of course, the true joy of collecting comes from the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of acquiring a long-sought example, and the camaraderie of sharing knowledge with fellow collectors. Whether you‘re drawn to the rare Z Grill, a perfectly centered Type Ia, or a simple 1 cent stamp on an old family letter, Benjamin Franklin‘s legacy lives on through these tiny works of art. Happy collecting!
