The adoption of adhesive postage stamps in 1847, for use in the prepayment of postage on mail, represented the most important improvement in the history of the Postal Service in America.

As soon as possible after the enactment of the law on March 3, 1847, authorizing the issuance of adhesive postage stamps, a contract was entered into with a private manufacturer for the printing. Subsequent contracts for postage stamps continued to be awarded to private manufacturers until July 1, 1894, when the printing of stamps was transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

This five cents stamp features the portrait of Benjamin Franklin reproduced from a drawing by James Longacre. The letters U and S placed are in the upper left and right corners, and in each of the two lower corners is a large number 5 .On a curved line are the words Post Office, and on the lower part of the shield the words Five cents are noted . A border of fine straight lines surrounds the stamp.

This genuine stamp is light brown in color with either a manuscript cancellation, common at a time in most smaller post offices around the nation or straight bar postmark. The purpose was to prevent re-use.

These stamps are available either 'raw' or packaged in a portfolio*.

*Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, in an attractive blue folder, with ribboned ( red, white & blue ) corners, The interior panels are backed in white moiré. For each please add $22 to the prices below.