1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 Cent Stamp Value Guide

The 1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 Cent Stamp is a cornerstone of the complex Washington-Franklin series, representing the legacy of America's first Postmaster General. These stamps are highly collectible due to their historical ubiquity and the intricate production variations that define the era's postal transition.

What Is 1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 Cent Stamp Worth?

The typical price range for 1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 Cent Stamp is $30 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Centering of the portrait within the perforated margins significantly impacts the $30 market value.
• The presence of original gum (OG) and whether the stamp is 'never hinged' (NH) or 'lightly hinged'.
• The clarity and placement of the postal cancellation mark on used examples.
• Specific color shade variations and the overall freshness of the paper and ink.

How to Identify 1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 Cent Stamp?

• Verify the green ink portrait of Benjamin Franklin, characteristic of the one-cent denomination in this series.
• Examine the perforation measurements, as the 1923 issues often feature specific gauge variations compared to earlier 1908-1922 releases.
• Check for the flat plate or rotary press printing marks which distinguish specific 1923 sub-types.
• Inspect the paper for the presence or absence of watermarks used during the late stages of the Washington-Franklin production run.

History of 1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 Cent Stamp

The 1923 Benjamin Franklin 1 cent stamp is part of the 'Washington-Franklin' series, one of the longest and most complex series in US postal history, issued from 1908 to 1922. These stamps were ubiquitous for everyday mail, featuring portraits of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin in various denominations and colors. The specific 1923 issue is notable for its color, paper, and perforation variations, which often determine its rarity and value among collectors. Benjamin Franklin, a founding father and the first Postmaster General of the United States, is a fitting figure for early American postage.