The 6 Most Valuable Us Stamps: A Guide For Collectors

Stamp collecting is a fascinating hobby that has been enjoyed by many individuals for over a century. The US has a rich history of stamp collecting, with notable collectors including famous figures such as Warren Buffett, Franklin Roosevelt, and John Lennon. The appeal of stamp collecting lies not only in its historical and artistic value but also in its potential investment benefits.

Valuable stamps can be a lucrative investment opportunity, and this guide aims to provide comprehensive information on appraising, buying, selling, and investing in the 6 most valuable US stamps. This article will explore the various factors that increase the value of stamps, including their rarity, condition, and historical significance.

The guide will delve into detail about each of the 6 most valuable US stamps, including the 1918 Inverted Jenny and the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill Stamp, and provide tips for buying and selling stamps. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a beginner, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of stamp collecting, from its fascinating history to its potential as a smart investment opportunity.

Stamp Collecting History

Stamp collecting has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, with the evolution of the postal service. As the postal service expanded, so did the variety of stamps available, and people began to collect them as a hobby.

The American Philatelic Society was founded in 1886, and since then, stamp collecting has become a popular and fascinating aspect of philately, creating a special hobby, course, and source of income for many individuals.

Stamp collecting has evolved over the years, from a hobby for the elite to a pastime enjoyed by people from all backgrounds. Today, stamp collecting is a prevalent and fascinating aspect of philately.

Joining philatelic organizations, such as the American Philatelic Society, can provide useful information on valuable US stamps, as well as opportunities to meet and network with other collectors.

Overall, the history of stamp collecting is closely intertwined with the history of the postal service, and it continues to be a rewarding and enriching hobby for collectors of all ages.

Notable Collectors

Prominent figures such as Warren Buffett, Franklin Roosevelt, Ayn Rand, Freddie Mercury, and John Lennon have all contributed to the rich history of philately in the United States. These notable collectors have brought attention to the hobby and helped to popularize stamp collecting as a unique and fascinating pastime.

Some of these collectors, such as Ayn Rand and Freddie Mercury, have even incorporated their stamp collections into their creative works. Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in the world, is also an avid stamp collector. He has been collecting stamps since childhood and has amassed a collection worth millions of dollars.

Franklin Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, was also a stamp collector and even designed his own stamps. Ayn Rand, the author of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, had a vast collection of stamps from around the world, which she used as inspiration for her writing.

Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen, was known for his love of stamps and even included images of rare stamps on some of the band's album covers. John Lennon, one of the members of The Beatles, was also a collector of stamps and would often visit stamp shops while on tour.

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Factors that Increase Value

Several factors can increase the value of a US stamp, and collectors should be aware of them when buying or selling stamps.

The condition of a stamp is a crucial factor in determining its value. A stamp in pristine condition, with no creases, damages, or discoloration, is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price. Moreover, neat and bright original color is also important, as any fading or alteration can significantly reduce the stamp's value.

Rarity is another factor that can increase a stamp's value. The fewer copies of a particular stamp exist, the more valuable it is likely to be. Additionally, the stamp's history and issue date can also play a role in determining its value. For example, commemorative stamps issued to mark a significant event or anniversary can have a higher value than regular stamps.

Finally, unique and tidy cancellation marks, perfect perforations and ridges, and rare errors can all increase the value of a stamp. Collectors should carefully examine their stamps and seek professional advice before buying or selling to ensure they get the best value for their investment.

The Inverted Jenny Stamp

The 1918 Inverted Jenny, with its blue inverted Curtiss Jenny 4 depiction, is widely considered the most iconic and sought-after stamp in the history of philately due to its rarity and high value. Only about 86 Inverted Jennys can be accounted for in recent times, making it a highly coveted item among collectors.

The stamp was initially printed with the airplane flying in the correct upright direction, but due to a printing error, a few of the stamps were mistakenly printed with an inverted airplane.

The Inverted Jenny has been sold at remarkable prices since as early as 2005, with the most recent sale being in 2018 when an anonymous internet bidder bought the newly unveiled position number 49 Inverted Jenny for $1.593 million. The unprecedented cost of the Inverted Jenny sold in 2018 was due to its pristine condition.

As one of the most valuable US stamps of all time, the Inverted Jenny remains a highly sought-after item for collectors, with its rarity, history, and unique design making it a symbol of philatelic excellence.

The Inverted 24c Declaration of Independence Stamp

One highly sought-after stamp among collectors due to its rarity and historical significance is the Inverted 24c Declaration of Independence stamp. This stamp was issued in 1869 during the Reconstruction Era, and it is believed that only four inverted copies of this stamp exist.

The Inverted 24c Declaration of Independence stamp features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on a blue background, with the text 'U.S. Postage'and '24 Cents'printed below the portrait. Inverted stamps are considered valuable because they were printed upside-down, making them rare and highly collectible.

The history of the Inverted 24c Declaration of Independence stamp adds to its value and allure. The stamp was issued during a time when the US postal service was undergoing significant changes, and the country was recovering from the Civil War. The stamp's rarity is attributed to human error during printing, which resulted in a few stamps being issued with inverted designs.

The Inverted 24c Declaration of Independence stamp is a prized possession for collectors due to its rarity, historical significance, and unique design.

The Benjamin Franklin Z Grill Stamp

Considered a rarity in the world of philately, the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill stamp is highly coveted by collectors due to its unique design and limited existing copies.

The Z Grill, also known as the 1868 1-cent Franklin stamp, is named after its distinctive 'Z'shaped grill pattern, which was designed to prevent reuse of stamps.

The Z Grill was only in use for a short time and was quickly replaced with a new design, making the existing copies even more valuable.

As of 2022, only two Benjamin Franklin Z Grill stamps are known to exist, both of which possess cancellation marks.

The most famous of the two Z Grill stamps was sold for $3 million in 1998 to the Mystic Stamp Company, making it the most valuable US stamp at the time.

The rarity and high value of the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill make it a highly sought-after stamp among collectors, and its sale at auction is a rare and exciting event in the world of philately.

Other Valuable US Stamps

Stamp collectors worldwide would be remiss if they did not add the 1918 Inverted Jenny to their collection, as it holds an unprecedented value and is one of the rarest and most sought-after stamps in existence.

However, the Inverted Jenny is not the only valuable US stamp that collectors should be aware of.

Other stamps, such as the 1868 George Washington B-Grill, the 1851 2 Cents Hawaiian Missionary, and the Alexandria Blue Boy Postmaster's Provisional stamp, also hold significant value and are highly sought-after by collectors.

The 1868 George Washington B-Grill is one of the most valuable US stamps, with only four known to exist.

In 2008, one of these stamps was sold for $1.035 million.

The 1851 2 Cents Hawaiian Missionary stamp is another highly valuable stamp, with only about 15 copies left in existence.

One of these stamps was auctioned for $619,500.

The Alexandria Blue Boy Postmaster's Provisional stamp is also a valuable stamp, with one selling for $1.18 million in 2019.

Collectors should keep these stamps in mind when building their collections, as they hold significant historical and financial value.

Buying and Selling Tips

When it comes to buying and selling valuable stamps, it is important to be aware of reputable auction houses and online platforms, as well as to properly scrutinize a stamp's condition and history before making a purchase or listing it for sale. Auction houses like Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries offer a wide range of valuable stamps for sale, and provide a trustworthy and transparent platform for buyers and sellers. Online auction and stamp-dealing platforms like eBay and Etsy are also reliable options, but it is important to thoroughly research the seller and their reputation before making a purchase or listing a stamp for sale.

In addition to using reputable buying and selling platforms, it is crucial to carefully examine a stamp's condition and history before making a purchase or listing it for sale. Factors that can affect a stamp's value include its condition, rarity, and history. It is also important to be aware of common forgeries or alterations that can affect a stamp's value. To avoid fraud or losses, it is recommended to consult with a professional stamp appraiser or dealer before making any major purchases or sales. The following table provides a summary of tips for buying and selling valuable US stamps:

Tips for Buyers	Tips for Sellers
Research reputable auction houses and online platforms	Properly scrutinize a stamp's condition and history
Thoroughly research the seller before making a purchase	Avoid common forgeries or alterations
Consult with a professional stamp appraiser or dealer	Be transparent about a stamp's condition and history
Be aware of a stamp's condition, rarity, and history	Price stamps fairly and competitively
Avoid purchasing error stamps without proper guidance and knowledge	Safeguard stamps from water and sunlight exposure
Watch for deals at prominent auction houses and stamp dealers	Insure any valuable stamp investment