Issue Date: May 29, 1997
City: San Francisco, CA
Quantity: 593,775
Printed By: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Lithographed and engraved
Perforations: 10.5 x 10.4
Color: Multicolored

 

Issued in conjunction with the PACIFIC ’97 stamp show, U.S. #3139 pictures Benjamin Franklin in a reproduction of U.S. #1.

 

Benjamin Franklin was a remarkable man. His many impressive accomplishments, along with his success as the first postmaster general, earned Franklin a place on America’s first postage stamp in 1847. And since that time, he has appeared on dozens of U.S. stamps.

 

Considered by many historians to be the most influential and successful statesman America has ever had, Franklin was in the forefront of our founding fathers. He was the only individual to sign all four key documents in American history – the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, and the Constitution of the United States.   As a diplomat to France during the Revolutionary War, he greatly aided America’s victory. 

 

Concerned with the happiness, well-being, and dignity of humanity, Franklin continually sought ways to improve life. He established the first subscription library, raised money to build the first city hospital, and founded the University of Pennsylvania. As postmaster he also introduced many needed reforms, greatly improving the efficiency and speed of colonial mail delivery.

 

Celebrating 150 years of U.S. postage stamps, America’s first stamps were reproduced with new denominations. This 50¢ stamp covers the international postcard rate.