Mark Schwartz, acclaimed author, award-winning exhibitor and ambassador of philately, presented his Champion of Champions, Single-Frame Exhibit entitled “Boston’s Use Of The 1847 Issue: America’s First Stamps from America’s First Post Office.”
The Act of Congress, March 3, 1845 (effective July 1), established new and simplified rates. Letters sent up to 300 miles were charged 5¢ per ½ oz., and those sent over 300 miles, 10¢ per ½ oz. Section 11 of the Act of Congress, March 3, 1847, authorized Postmaster General Cave Johnson to prepare and issue postage stamps.
He contracted with Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson to prepare both 5¢ and 10¢ adhesives. These stamps were issued on July 1 of that year. Beginning on July 2 and over the next 4 years, Boston would receive 401,000 5¢ stamps and 41,000 10¢ stamps, a number exceeded only by New York and Philadelphia.
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