Benjamin Franklin appeared on the 1¢ U.S. definitive stamp for decades across multiple series,  a quiet acknowledgment that the man who founded the postal system belongs on the nation's postage.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Catalog Number: Scott #552

• Denomination: 1 cent (1¢)

• Date of Issue: January 17, 1923

• Printing Method: Flat Plate, Engraved (Intaglio)

• Perforation: 11

• Color: Deep Green

• Subject: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin

CONDITION ANALYSIS (Seller-Assessed)

• Status: Used

• Grading: Fine

• Postmark: Minimal, with a faint impression that does not obscure the portrait or principal design elements.

• Obverse: Design is clear and well defined throughout. No major surface damage observed.

• Reverse: No original gum present, consistent with postal use. Faint transfer marks and minor discoloration visible on the reverse.

• Centering / Margins: Perforations clear of the design frame on all sides.

• Perforations: No visible tears or missing perforations. Minor wear at perforation tips consistent with normal postal circulation.

HISTORY

The Series of 1922–1925 was issued by the U.S. Post Office Department as a comprehensive overhaul of American definitives, replacing the Washington-Franklin Issues that had served since 1908. The new series expanded the roster of subjects beyond the two founding figures, introducing presidents and historical figures across a wider range of denominations — but the 1¢ rate remained Franklin's domain, continuing a tradition that stretched back to the earliest federal stamps.

Scott #552 is the flat plate version of the 1¢ Franklin from this series, issued January 17, 1923, with a perforation gauge of 11. The flat plate printing process, which the Bureau of Engraving and Printing used for this issue, produced sharper and slightly larger impressions than the rotary press issues that were beginning to replace it during the same period. Collectors of the Series of 1922–1925 often work to distinguish between flat plate and rotary press variants, which carry separate Scott numbers and different perforation gauges.

Franklin's persistent presence on the 1¢ denomination reflected his founding role in American postal history. As the first Postmaster General, appointed by the Continental Congress in 1775, he established the infrastructure that would eventually become the U.S. Post Office Department,  making his image on postage something more than ceremonial.

STEVEN SAYS

Franklin on the 1¢ rate goes back almost to the beginning of U.S. stamps. He built the postal system, so putting him on the cheapest denomination used the most feels like the right call. The flat plate printing on this one has a crispness worth noting.