Bonus point credit for purchase: 579 points currently valued at $11.58

This is a photo of the actual stamp you will receive. On July, 1847 the United States issued it's first adhesive postage stamp, the five-cent Benjamin. This historic stamp is not only America's first official stamp, but it also pays tribute to Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most important Founding Fathers and our first Postmaster General. Genuine examples of America's First Postage Stamp.... because they are the first stamps ever issued by the United States.... and because they are almost 155 years-old... are understandably quite difficult to obtain. Now, through my extensive philatelic resources, I am able to make a restricted number of these treasured U.S. stamps available for a limited time. Each 1847 5¢ Benjamin Franklin Stamp in my inventory is an actual stamp... not a facsimile or reproduction. These genuine stamps were issued by the U.S. over 157 years ago and bear official postmarks or markings from actual use at that time in our history. This example is in sound condition with no faults. You can now realize the ultimate philatelic dream and proudly display the first postage stamp ever issued by the United States of America. Because of their uniqueness they bear the Stamp Catalog designation of United States #1. Authorized by Congress the United States Government issued the first adhesive postage stamp on July 1, 1847. Under the British Crown, postal service had been available in the colonies since 1639. Before the use of stamps, local postmasters would write the word 'PAID'on letters using pen and ink or would use a hand stamp indicating 'PAID'. Included with the local stamp would be the postmark of the town and the date the letter was mailed. In order to have a unified postal system, Congress authorized the issuance of the nation's first adhesive postage stamp on March 3rd, 1847. A private printer began the production of the five-cent Benjamin Franklin stamps that were to be issued on July 1. The nations first stamps were printed by private manufactures until July 1, 1894, after which they were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of the Treasury Department. The much treasured first American stamp bears the portrait of Benjamin Franklin, reproduced from a drawing by the artist James B. Longacre. The bust of Franklin depicts him wearing a white scarf and a fur-collared coat. In the background of this light brown stamp is a wreath of leaves. The words 'Post Office' and 'Five Cents' encompass Franklin's portrait. This five-cent Benjamin Franklin is a genuine specimen of America's first official stamp. It was officially postmarked during actual use nearly 160 years ago.