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.
Postal History
-
-
Encased Postage
On August 12, 1862, John Gault received a patent for a design to encase postage stamps to use as currency as coins were being hoarded during the Civil War.
-
The Virginia City Pony Express
On August 11, 1862, Wells Fargo inaugurated its Virginia City Pony Express, which carried mail between Nevada mining towns and California business centers.
-
American Treasures Series
On August 9, 2001, the USPS inaugurated the American Treasures Series with the issue of four stamps depicting Amish quilts. The series would span more than a decade and feature paintings, tapestries, glassware, and more.
-
Revolutionary War Sesquicentennial
On August 3, 1927, the US Post Office issued two stamps honoring significant events from the Revolutionary War in 1777.
-
U.S. Issues Stamps in Guam
On July 7, 1899, the US issued its first overprinted stamps for use in Guam. The stamps were rushed into use after the US acquired Guam from Spain following the Spanish-American War.
-
Search for Peace Stamp & Essay Contest
On July 5, 1967, the US Post Office issued a 5¢ stamp honoring the 50th anniversary of Lions International as well as a special contest hosted by the organization.
-
First US Flag Stamp
On July 4, 1957, the US Post Office issued its first stamp with the US flag as the central element. It was also the first stamp printed by the Giori press, which allowed the design to be printed in its natural colors in one step.
-
Free City Mail Delivery
On July 1, 1863, the US Post Office inaugurated its free City Mail Delivery Service in part in response to the Civil War. By the end of the first year, 65 cities offered the service and employed 685 mail carriers.
