Benjamin Franklin

1847 5¢ Benjamin Franklin, red-brown, thin bluish wove paper, imperforate
July 26, 1775

Ben Franklin Appointed America’s First Postmaster General 

On July 26, 1775, former deputy postmaster general of the American colonies, Ben Franklin, was made the first postmaster general of the United States. He revolutionized mail service in the young nation at a crucial time in our history.

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1934 16¢ Airmail Special Delivery
June 20, 1782

U.S. Adopts Great Seal

On June 20, 1782, the United States adopted the Great Seal. It had taken six years, three committees, and the work of 14 men.

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1999 33¢ John and William Bartram
March 23, 1699

Birth of John Bartram 

Botanist John Bartram was born on March 23, 1699, in Darby, Pennsylvania Colony. Called the “greatest natural botanist in the world,” he started one of the first botanic gardens in the United States.

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1873 30¢ Official Stamp Post Office
February 20, 1792

Washington Establishes U.S. Post Office

On February 20, 1792, George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, creating the US Post Office.

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1908 1¢ Franklin, green, double line watermark
December 29, 1908

First Nationwide Coil Stamp Issued

On December 29, 1908, the US Post Office Department issued its first coil stamps on a national scale. These stamps ushered in a new era in both mail delivery and philately.

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1847 5¢ Benjamin Franklin, Red Brown
December 19, 1732

Poor Richard’s Almanack 

On December 19, 1732, Benjamin Franklin published the first edition of his Poor Richard’s Almanack under the pseudonym Richard Saunders.

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1918 $2 Franklin, orange red and black color error
August 19, 1918

U.S. #523 Color Error 

US #523, the 1918 $2 orange-red Franklin error stamp, was first used on or around August 19, 1918. However, it would be two years before the error was discovered.

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1978 13¢ French Alliance
February 6, 1778

France Signs Treaty of Alliance with America 

On February 6, 1778, Delegates of King Louis XVI of France and the Second Continental Congress signed a Treaty of Alliance, promising military support to each other.  French aid and manpower contributed to America’s ultimate victory in the Revolution.

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1980 40¢ Philip Mazzei stamp
December 25, 1730

Birth of Philip Mazzei

Italian physician, merchant, horticulturalist and close friend of President Thomas Jefferson, Philip Mazzei was born on December 25, 1730, in Poggio a Caiano (Prato) in Tuscany.

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