Rare 1-Cent Benjamin Franklin Stamp Value: Collector's Guide to Identification & Worth

Introduction to Benjamin Franklin Stamps

Benjamin Franklin, America’s founding father and first Postmaster General, has been honored on more U.S. postage stamps than any figure except George Washington. The 1-cent Franklin stamp is particularly iconic, with numerous varieties produced over decades. While most 1-cent Franklin stamps are common and worth only a few dollars or less, certain rare varieties can command thousands of dollars at auction.

This guide will help you understand which 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamps are truly valuable, how to identify them, and their current market values. We’ll explore the most sought-after varieties and explain why some seemingly ordinary stamps can be worth a fortune while others are worth mere pocket change.

The first U.S. postage stamps featured Benjamin Franklin (5-cent) and George Washington (10-cent). These early Franklin stamps are extremely valuable.

The rarest Benjamin Franklin stamp is the 1-cent Z grill (Scott #85A), with only two known copies in existence. One sold for $935,000 in 1998.

The 1-cent Franklin stamps from this period featured a redesigned portrait. Some varieties from this era can be quite valuable.

Benjamin Franklin appeared on the 1-cent denomination in the Washington-Franklin series with various perforations and watermarks creating valuable varieties.

The 1¢ green Franklin stamps printed by rotary press and perforated 11 (Scott #594 and #596) are among the most valuable 20th-century U.S. stamps.

Over four billion 1-cent green Franklin stamps were printed, making most varieties extremely common. However, production methods, printing errors, and limited distribution created several rare varieties that command premium prices today.

The 1-Cent Z Grill (Scott #85A)

The rarest and most valuable Benjamin Franklin stamp is the 1-cent Z grill issued in 1867-1868. With only two known copies in existence, this stamp is considered the holy grail of American philately. One copy resides in the collection of the New York Public Library, while the other was famously traded in a $3 million deal for the unique “Inverted Jenny” plate block.

Scott #594: The 1923 Rotary Press Rarity

The 1¢ green Franklin rotary press stamp perforated 11 (Scott #594) is one of the most valuable 20th-century U.S. stamps, with an estimated value of $10,000 or more in fine condition. Only around 100 examples are known to exist.

Scott #596: The 1923-1924 Perforated 11 Variety

Similar to the #594, the Scott #596 is another rotary press variety perforated 11, with only slightly more examples known. Its current value ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on condition.

Key Identification Factors

1. Perforations: Count the number of perforations within a 2cm space. The rare Scott #594 and #596 are perforated 11, while most common varieties are perforated 10 or 11 x 10.5.

2. Printing Method: Determine if the stamp was printed by flat plate or rotary press. Rotary press stamps are slightly larger in one dimension due to paper stretching during printing.

3. Watermarks: Hold the stamp up to light or use watermark fluid to check for watermarks. Different watermarks can significantly affect value.

4. Grills: Some early Franklin stamps have embossed patterns called “grills” that can be seen on the back. The Z grill and F grill varieties are particularly valuable.

5. Production Year: Verify the issue date by checking catalog references. Stamps from certain years are more likely to be valuable varieties.

The vast majority of 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamps are extremely common and worth less than $1 each. According to the American Philatelic Society, over 95% of stamps ever printed are worth a dollar or less, with most 1-cent Franklin stamps falling into this category.

Common Misconceptions

Myth 1: All old stamps are valuable Reality: Age alone doesn’t determine value. Many stamps from the early 1900s were printed in quantities of billions and remain common today.

Myth 2: eBay listings prove high values Reality: Many sellers list common stamps at inflated prices, hoping to catch uninformed buyers. Check sold prices instead of asking prices.

Myth 3: Green 1-cent Franklin stamps are all rare Reality: Most green Franklin stamps are worth only face value or slightly more. Only specific varieties with distinct printing characteristics have significant value.

As stamp expert and YouTube educator Graham Beck explains, many common Franklin stamps are falsely listed online for thousands of dollars, creating confusion about their true worth.

Condition Factors Affecting Value

1. Centering: Perfectly centered stamps can sell for 2-5 times more than off-center examples of the same stamp.

2. Gum Condition: For unused stamps, original undisturbed gum (never hinged) commands a premium over hinged or regummed examples.

3. Perforations: Complete, undamaged perforations are essential for maximum value.

4. Cancellations: For used stamps, light or interesting cancellations are preferred over heavy or messy ones.

5. Color: Fresh, vibrant colors are worth more than faded examples.

According to Linn’s Stamp News, a well-centered Scott #594 with original gum can sell for more than twice the value of an off-center example in otherwise similar condition.

Why Authentication Matters

The difference between a common 1-cent stamp worth $0.50 and a rare variety worth thousands often comes down to subtle characteristics that only experts can verify with certainty. Without proper certification, most dealers and auction houses won’t accept claims of rare varieties.

Reputable Authentication Services

1. The Philatelic Foundation: America’s oldest and most respected stamp authentication service.

2. American Philatelic Society’s Expertizing Service (APEX): Offers authentication services with certificates recognized throughout the industry.

3. Professional Stamp Experts (PSE): Known for their detailed grading system and expertise in U.S. stamps.

According to the American Philatelic Society, authentication typically costs $20-$50 for most stamps, with fees increasing for items of higher value. For potentially valuable Franklin stamps like Scott #594, this investment is essential to establish authenticity and maximize value.

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Best Places to Buy Rare Franklin Stamps

1. Specialized Auction Houses: Companies like Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries and H.R. Harmer regularly feature rare U.S. stamps with proper authentication.

2. Reputable Stamp Dealers: Established dealers who are members of the American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA) or American Philatelic Society (APS) often have rare stamps in inventory.

3. Major Stamp Shows: Events like WESTPEX, NAPEX, and StampShow bring together dealers with high-quality inventory and often feature on-site expertizing.

Selling Valuable Franklin Stamps

1. Consignment to Auction Houses: For genuinely rare and valuable varieties, specialized philatelic auction houses typically offer the best returns.

2. Direct Sale to Dealers: Established stamp dealers may offer immediate payment, though typically at wholesale prices.

3. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay can work for authenticated stamps, but beware of uninformed buyers who may be skeptical of high-value claims without proper certification.

According to Linn’s Stamp News, public auctions tend to realize 10-30% higher prices than private sales for rare stamps, making them the preferred option for selling valuable Benjamin Franklin varieties.

The allure of finding a rare stamp worth thousands of dollars in a common collection continues to inspire stamp collectors. While the odds of discovering a Scott #594 or Z grill in your grandmother’s album are slim, understanding what makes these stamps valuable enhances appreciation for all philatelic material.

For collectors interested in Benjamin Franklin stamps, consider these final recommendations:

1. Start with Education: Invest in reference catalogs and guides before spending money on potentially rare stamps.

2. Focus on Condition: Even common Franklin stamps in superb condition can command premium prices.

3. Seek Authentication: For any potentially valuable variety, professional certification is essential.

4. Join Collector Communities: Organizations like the American Philatelic Society offer resources and expertise to help navigate complexities.

5. Collect for Enjoyment: While valuable stamps are exciting, the historical significance and beauty of all Benjamin Franklin issues make them rewarding to collect regardless of monetary value.

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The definitive reference guide for U.S. stamps, including detailed listings of all Benjamin Franklin issues with current values.

Detailed guide to identifying rare 1-cent Franklin varieties like Scott #594 and #596.

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Respected stamp dealer offering Benjamin Franklin stamps for sale with educational information about various issues.

Educational video debunking myths about common 1-cent Franklin stamps often falsely advertised as rare.