1933, 1¢ Fort Dearborn, Yellow Green, United States (Scott #728)

This stamp is part of the Chicago Century of Progress commemorative issue released in 1933 to mark the centennial of the city of Chicago and the opening of the “A Century of Progress” World’s Fair. The design shows the Restoration of Fort Dearborn, the early frontier fort that marked the birthplace of modern Chicago. The inscription “CHICAGO CENTURY OF PROGRESS 1833–1933” directly identifies the historical theme of the issue.

This is a genuine example of Scott #728, one of the most widely issued U.S. commemorative stamps of the 1930s. With a printing of over 348 million copies, it is a very common stamp, and its value is primarily determined by condition rather than rarity.

Technical Specifications

• Catalog Number: Scott #728

• Denomination: 1 Cent (1¢)

• Release Date: May 25, 1933

• Printing Method: Rotary Press, Engraved (Bureau of Engraving and Printing)

• Perforation: 10½ × 11

• Color: Yellow-green

• Subject: Restoration of Fort Dearborn, Chicago, commemorating the 1833–1933 Century of Progress Exposition

Condition Analysis

• Status: Used. The stamp bears a heavy black cancellation consisting of broad horizontal strokes across the central design and lower inscriptions.

• Centering: Fine (F). The margins are present on all sides, though the design is slightly shifted and not perfectly balanced.

• Reverse Side: The original gum is absent, consistent with used condition. The back shows light paper aging but no obvious large thins or tears under current lighting.

• Perforations: Generally intact around all sides, with some minor wear and irregularities typical of postally used stamps removed from paper.