United States 1870-1871 National Bank Note Company 1-Cent Franklin Postage Stamp (Scott #134 or #145)

This is a United States postage stamp featuring the profile of Benjamin Franklin, printed in a distinct blue ink on white woven paper. The central vignette displays an embossed-style bust of Franklin facing left within an oval frame, a design characteristic of the late 19th-century 'Large Bank Note' issues. The borders feature ornate scrollwork with text including 'U.S. POSTAGE' on the left and 'ONE CENT' on the right. Physically, the stamp appears to have standard perforations on all four sides, though the centering is significantly shifted toward the bottom and right edges, which is a common occurrence for this era. A heavy vertical line cancellation (likely a pen or grid cancel) is visible across the center, indicating the stamp has been used. The paper shows signs of aging with minor toning and a yellowish spot on the face. Depending on the presence of a 'grill' on the back, this would be identified as Scott #134 (with grill) or #145 (without grill), typically produced by the National Bank Note Company between 1870 and 1871. The engraving detail remains relatively crisp despite the heavy cancel and image blur, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship of the period.

I have examined the digital representation of this 1-cent Benjamin Franklin National Bank Note Company issue. Based on the ornate scrollwork and central vignette, I have narrowed the identification to Scott #134 (with 'H' grill) or Scott #145 (without grill). The stamp displays a blue ink characteristic of the 1870-1871 production period. Technically, the item presents significant condition challenges: the centering is poor (Fine at best), with the design nearly touching the bottom and right perforations. A heavy, dark vertical pen or grid cancellation obscuring Franklin’s face—a 'killer' cancel—negatively impacts the aesthetic appeal compared to lighter, more desirable town marks. The visible toning and foxing spots suggest environmental degradation over time. Scott #145 is quite common in this condition, often retailing for under $10. If a physical inspection reveals a genuine grill (Scott #134), the value would trend toward the higher end of the range, though the poor centering and heavy cancel keep it well below 'Superb' market premiums. Crucially, I cannot definitively confirm the presence of a grill, paper thickness, or the authenticity of the gum/perforations via image alone. A physical examination using backlighting and a watermark tray is necessary to distinguish between the National, Continental, and American Bank Note printings, which can look identical but vary significantly in value. For high-value certification, I would recommend submission to the Philatelic Foundation or PSE to verify the absence of hidden repairs or 're-perfing.' The current market for moderately conditioned Bank Note issues remains stable but highly sensitive to centering and visual clarity.