# 314 - 1906 1c Franklin, imperforate
1906-08 1¢ Franklin
Quantity issued: 5,015,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: Double line
Perforation: Imperforate
Color: Blue green
Start Of The Series Of 1902-03
In 1902, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s workmanship on the 1901 Pan-American series impressed the Post Office Department. So they decided to inaugurate a new general issue to replace the then-current Regular Issues, which had been in use with only minor changes for more than ten years. They hoped these new stamps would create the same excitement for regular issues that the Pan-Americans had received.
The first stamp, US #308, was issued on November 18, 1902. It was the first US stamp with a 13¢ denomination, and the first to honor President Benjamin Harrison. Used on international mail, it prepaid the rate for a 1/2-ounce letter to any country in the Postal Union, 10¢ for the registered fee and 3¢ for postage.
The designs of the stamps in this new series were markedly different from previous issues. They had far more ornate designs – each stamp’s border was different and highly detailed. Several borders even pictured people! The ornate new designs, however, were not the only addition to the 1902 series. Each stamp also included the name of the person pictured and their dates of birth and death – a first for US postage.
A slight change was also made in the format. Each stamp in this series bears the inscription, “Series 1902.” This caused some concern abroad, as many European philatelists wondered whether the US was planning on issuing new stamps each year. Many of the stamps, however, did not even reach post offices until 1903, and the next general issues were not produced until 1908.
The Imperforate Stamps of 1906-08
In 1906, the 1¢ and 2¢ stamps were produced imperforate for use in vending machines. The stamps were first issued in Chicago, leaving New York dealers unaware of its existence for a short time. This led to one of the most interesting stamp stories of the era.
Click here to see all the Series of 1902-03 stamps.
1906-08 1¢ Franklin
Quantity issued: 5,015,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: Double line
Perforation: Imperforate
Color: Blue green
Start Of The Series Of 1902-03
In 1902, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s workmanship on the 1901 Pan-American series impressed the Post Office Department. So they decided to inaugurate a new general issue to replace the then-current Regular Issues, which had been in use with only minor changes for more than ten years. They hoped these new stamps would create the same excitement for regular issues that the Pan-Americans had received.
The first stamp, US #308, was issued on November 18, 1902. It was the first US stamp with a 13¢ denomination, and the first to honor President Benjamin Harrison. Used on international mail, it prepaid the rate for a 1/2-ounce letter to any country in the Postal Union, 10¢ for the registered fee and 3¢ for postage.
The designs of the stamps in this new series were markedly different from previous issues. They had far more ornate designs – each stamp’s border was different and highly detailed. Several borders even pictured people! The ornate new designs, however, were not the only addition to the 1902 series. Each stamp also included the name of the person pictured and their dates of birth and death – a first for US postage.
A slight change was also made in the format. Each stamp in this series bears the inscription, “Series 1902.” This caused some concern abroad, as many European philatelists wondered whether the US was planning on issuing new stamps each year. Many of the stamps, however, did not even reach post offices until 1903, and the next general issues were not produced until 1908.
The Imperforate Stamps of 1906-08
In 1906, the 1¢ and 2¢ stamps were produced imperforate for use in vending machines. The stamps were first issued in Chicago, leaving New York dealers unaware of its existence for a short time. This led to one of the most interesting stamp stories of the era.
Click here to see all the Series of 1902-03 stamps.