First General Issue 1847

Information:

Essay:
Engraved Vignette (Sc. 1E1)

Proofs:
Die & Plate, both large & small

Speciman:
None

Quantity Produced:
4,400,000
Quantity Issued:
3,700,000

Special Printing:
C1876 Official Reproductions

Cost:
R.W. H.&E. charged 20 cents per thousand

Survival Est:
10,000 on cover - 50,000 off cover

Foreign Destination Covers:
(5 & 10 cnet) less than 25

Largest Multiple:
4 x 4 unused block of 16

Major Variety:
Dot in "S", upper right corner

Cancellations:
Manuscript and hand stamp,
Green ( a most rare color)
Wheeling, Va. Grid (a most rare town)

(Click stamps to view at higher resolution.)

Number One Five Cent Franklin

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First Issue on cover.
Note the pen cancel which ties the stamps to the letter.

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A Little History -

The five cent Franklin was issued to prepay the half-ounce domestic letter rate for a single letter traveling less than 300 miles. Over 300 miles required ten cents and double letters were charged at a double rate.

These issues are from Gregg Hopkins' Exhibit
"Number Ones and Other Firsts"

If you have a "Number One" or "Other Firsts", please contact:

Gregg Hopkins, Sr.
2344 N. 32 Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Telephone: (602) 954-8175
Fax: (602) 957-2910
E-mail Gregg

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