U.S. #947
3¢ U.S. Stamp Centenary

Issue Date: May 17, 1947
City: New York, NY
Quantity: 127,104,300
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10 1/2
Color: Deep...  more

U.S. #947
3¢ U.S. Stamp Centenary

Issue Date: May 17, 1947
City: New York, NY
Quantity: 127,104,300
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10 1/2
Color: Deep blue

U.S. #947 commemorates America’s first postage stamps. The stamp pictures George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, a Pony Express rider, a steam locomotive, a 1940s locomotive, a modern steamship, and a four-motored plane.

Honoring America’s First Postage Stamps

The first United States Postage Stamps, the 5¢ and 10¢ issues of 1847, began a new era in mail service. Before adhesive stamps revolutionized the U.S. postal system, letters were marked “Paid” by pen and ink, and by various hand-stamping devices.

America’s first postage stamps went on sale on July 1, 1847.  As a nation, America was taking shape at that time, and these stamps played an important part in its growth.

The 5¢ issue of 1847 (Scott #1) features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is credited with organizing America’s postal service back in the 1700s. On July 26, 1775, he was appointed by the Continental Congress as the first Postmaster General of the Confederation – which was of great importance to communications during the Revolutionary War. The 10¢ issue of 1847 (Scott #2) pictures George Washington, Revolutionary War hero and the first U.S. President.