(3 1/8 x 4 7/8” folded ) Original folded manuscript cover with an 1847 US 5 cent Franklin Stamp (US # 1 – First US postage stamp). Properly used on a folded letter with the orange circular postmark of New York dated September 11 (1847) and addressed to Philadelphia
The first official US postage stamp was this 5 cent issue of 1847 with the bust of Franklin, engraved and printed by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson of NYC. It recognized the need for the U.S. government to issue stamps that could be used throughout the country and among nations. Leading the way, in 1840 Great Britain had issued the world's first prepaid postage stamp, a 1-penny portrait of Queen Victoria known as the “Penny Black,” which eliminated payment by the recipient.
Benjamin Franklin was an obvious choice for the honor of appearing on this first issue. He had been the postmaster in Philadelphia and Deputy Postmaster General for the Colonies. He was appointed by the Continental Congress as the First Postmaster General of the independent united colonies.
The first United States general issue postage stamps, stamps for distribution throughout the country, were prepared under authorization of the Congressional Act of March 3, 1847. The earliest date of use was July 2 1847. This cover from September is an early usage.
