This one-frame stamp exhibit was presented at the Anphilex Show in 1996 in New York City by K.David Steidley.  It is part of a larger collection that explores the postal history of the United States between 1903 and 1908.

EXPLORING THE EXHIBIT

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POSTAL HISTORY

The 1-cent Franklin, introduced in February, 1903, was produced in enormous quantities (11.2 billion) largely to support the postcard mania of the time. The stress of this high volume on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be seen as the initial color of apple green became a muddy, blurred green by 1905.

The Post Office Department spent the era of the 1902 Series refining its distribution system and standardizing its methodology. Important rate changes in this period were decreases in foreign rates in 1907 and increases in the registry rate in late 1909. On March 1, 1907, the postcard was allowed to carry a message on its left side for the penny rate. Coil stamps were introduced in 1908 as the need arose for mechanically dispensed stamps.

The primary role of the 1-cent Franklin was to pay the penny rate for postcards, drop letters and third class mail (circulars, printed matter, small packages of merchandise). A secondary use was to prepay the 2¢ domestic letter rate or the 2¢ overseas postcard rate. The stamp was used with others to make rate for second and fourth class mail. It could also be added to printed 1¢ postal cards or newspaper wrappers to make the overseas 2¢ rate. Foreign mail rates can be well illustrated since the 1¢ was so often used with a mixture of other denominations to make rate.