United States Stamp Values
1847 General Issue - Imperforate
On July 1, 1847, Congress authorized the Postmaster General to release the first United States postage stamps. Two imperforate stamps were issued, the 5 cent Benjamin Franklin which paid the domestic letter rate of 5 cents per half-ounce for up to 300 miles, and the 10 cent George Washington which paid the domestic letter rate of 10 cents per half-ounce for distances greater than 300 miles.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 5 cent | Franklin - red brown | $2,500.00 | $400.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - black | .. | $750.00 |
|
1875 Special Printing (Reproductions of 1847 Issues)
In 1875 the Post Office issued reprints of the first stamps as part of the nationwide celebration of the United
States Centennial.
| Denom. | Description | Mint | Used |
| 5 cent | Franklin - Red brown | $750.00 | .. |
| 10 cent | Washington - Black | $900.00 | .. |
|
1851-56 Imperforate Issue
In 1851 a new series of stamps was introduced to accommodate lower postal rates. Domestic deliveries of up to 3,000 miles were now charged only 3 cents per half-ounce and local delivery charges were reduced to 1 cent. New portraits were introduced for Washington and Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson was added.
| Denomination | Description | Mint | Used |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type II | $500.00 | $90.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type IIIa | .. | $500.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type IV | $300.00 | $75.00 |
| 3 cent | Washington - orange brown - Type I | $1,350.00 | $70.00 |
| 3 cent | Washington - dull red - Type I | $95.00 | $7.00 |
| 5 cent | Jefferson - red brown - Type I | .. | $500.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type I | .. | $450.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type II | $1,800.00 | $120.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type III | $1,800.00 | $120.00 |
| 12 cent | Washington - black | .. | $180.00 |
|
1857-61 Perforated 15
In 1857 the Post Office Department began perforating stamps. All of the designs of 1851 were re-released in the new perforated format and an additional three designs were added.
| Denomination | Description | Mint | Used |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type I | $750.00 | $325.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type II | $475.00 | $140.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type III | .. | $1,350.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type IIIa | $900.00 | $300.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type IV | .. | $425.00 |
| 1 cent | Franklin - blue - Type V | $70.00 | $27.50 |
| 3 cent | Washington - rose - Type I | $1,100.00 | $72.50 |
| 3 cent | Washington - dull red - Type II | $35.00 | $4.75 |
| 5 cent | Jefferson - brick red - Type I | .. | $825.00 |
| 5 cent | Jefferson - red brown - Type I | $2,000.00 | $525.00 |
| 5 cent | Jefferson - brown - Type I | $1,000.00 | $195.00 |
| 5 cent | Jefferson - orange brown - Type II | $525.00 | $650.00 |
| 5 cent | Jefferson - brown - Type II | $750.00 | $180.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type I | .. | $600.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type II | $2,275.00 | $165.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type III | $2,275.00 | $165.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type IV | .. | $950.00 |
| 10 cent | Washington - green - Type V | $100.00 | $40.00 |
| 12 cent | Washington - black | $700.00 | $180.00 |
| 24 cent | Washington - gray lilac | $550.00 | $225.00 |
| 30 cent | Franklin - orange | $825.00 | $240.00 |
| 90 cent | Washington - blue | $1,200.00 | .. |
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These prices for U.S. stamps are provided as a service to Hobbizine readers. They are derived from numerous sources such as dealer price lists, advertisements in philatelic publications, and public auction results. Use these values as a guideline for evaluating the reasonableness of dealer prices, setting up trades with other collectors, and estimating the worth of your collection. The value of an individual stamp is dependent on its centering and condition. The prices listed here are for well centered, undamaged stamps. A particularly nice example might sell for more than the amount listed, while a poor copy might be worth less.
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