The Top 10 Most Rare US Stamps

1. 15c Abraham Lincoln Stamp, Issued 1867

Auctioned for $1,400,000

During the Civil War, the United States’ 16th president had his portrait featured on a number of stamp issues. Pictured here is the valuable stamp of Abraham Lincoln from the Civil War era.

In particular, the 1860’s stamps issued during the peak of the Civil War depicted two significant political figures during that time – Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson.

In 2018, this unique, historically-significant 15-cent issue block of 8 sold for a whopping $1,400,000!

2. Inverted Jenny Stamp, Issued 1918

Auctioned for $1,350,000

One of the most famous error stamps in philatelic history is the Inverted Jenny, issued on May 10th, 1918. Originally priced at 24 cents, this stamp quickly became legendary due to a significant printing error: the image of the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” biplane was printed upside down. This mistake transformed the stamp from a routine issue into a highly coveted collector’s item.

The Inverted Jenny stamp captures a piece of aviation history, as the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” was a prominent aircraft used for training pilots during World War I. The upside-down printing error adds a layer of intrigue and rarity, making it one of the most iconic stamps ever issued by the United States Postal Service.

Despite the error, a small number of these stamps were released to the public before the mistake was caught. It is believed that about 100 copies of the Inverted Jenny still exist today, as most of the error stamps were destroyed. The scarcity of surviving examples significantly enhances their value and desirability among collectors.

3. 24c Declaration of Independence Stamp with Inverted Center, Issued 1869

Auctioned for $1,200,000

One of our nation’s most significant moments is the historic Declaration of Independence, marking America’s independence from Great Britain. To commemorate this pivotal event, a special postage stamp was issued in 1869. This stamp, known as the 24-cent Declaration of Independence issue, holds great historical and cultural value.

However, a printing error made this stamp even more noteworthy among philatelists. Some issues printed that year featured an inverted center, a mistake that significantly increased the stamp’s rarity and desirability. Collectors highly prize these error stamps, as they represent intriguing anomalies in the production process.

The inverted center issues of the 24-cent Declaration of Independence stamp were printed in two color variations: green and violet. These color choices added to the stamp’s visual appeal and collectible interest. Finding a pristine, unused example of this stamp with the inverted error is exceptionally rare, making it a highly sought-after item in the philatelic world.

4. Alexandria “Blue Boy” Stamp, Issued 1947

Auctioned for $1,180,000

One of the most coveted stamps in philately is the Alexandria “Blue Boy” stamp. According to experts, only seven of these rare U.S. stamps have been preserved. Over time, most “Blue Boy” stamps have turned a brownish-yellow color due to aging and exposure to elements. However, one exceptional example has retained its original bright blue color.

In 1981, a “Blue Boy” stamp fetched $1,000,000 at the David Feldman SA rarity auction, highlighting its extraordinary value. More recently, in 2019, a bright blue “Blue Boy” stamp was sold for an impressive $1.18 million. The rarity, unique color, and historical significance of this stamp make it a prized possession among collectors, underscoring its status as one of the most sought-after U.S. stamps.

5. 10c Green Z. Grill Stamp, Issued 1867

Auctioned for $1,000,000

Another rare U.S. stamp that is seldom seen is the 10-cent Green Z. Grill stamp, issued in 1867. This stamp is renowned for its unique “Z” grill pattern, which was intended to prevent the reuse of stamps by allowing ink to better absorb into the paper. The distinctive green coloration and the portrait of George Washington, our nation’s first president, make this a dynamic and historically significant issue.

The 10-cent Green Z. Grill stamp had not been seen publicly since a Laurence & Stryker auction in 1958. It resurfaced at a Siegel auction in 2019, where it was sold for an impressive $1,000,000. The rarity and historical importance of this stamp, combined with its striking design, make it one of the most significant rare U.S. stamps in philatelic history. Its sale price reflects its esteemed status among collectors and its role as a prized artifact from America’s postal past.

6. 3c George Washington Stamp, Issued 1867

Auctioned for $900,000

During the 1860s, many postage stamps were issued featuring the portrait of George Washington to honor the legacy of our nation’s first president. Among these, the 3-cent issue from 1867 stands out as particularly rare and valuable. Printed in a distinctive rose color, this stamp has become a sought-after item for collectors.

In 2008, a pristine example of this rare 1867 George Washington stamp was auctioned for a remarkable $900,000. The high auction price reflects its rarity and the exceptional condition of the stamp. Collectors who aspire to add such a valuable George Washington stamp to their collection will find it challenging to locate one in perfect condition. The combination of its historical significance, unique color, and excellent preservation makes it a prized possession in the world of philately.

7. 1c Benjamin Franklin Stamp, Issued 1868

Auctioned for $850,000

During the Civil War period, several stamp issues featured depictions from the Revolutionary War era. Among these was the rare portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most significant and recognized political figures in American history. Franklin’s contributions as a Founding Father, diplomat, and inventor have made him a prominent figure on U.S. postage stamps. However, this particular 1-cent stamp, issued in 1868, stands out as one of the most rare and valuable among the many Franklin stamps released over the years.

The 1-cent Franklin stamp from 1868 is highly coveted by collectors due to its rarity and historical importance. Unlike more common issues, this stamp has become a prized possession for philatelists who appreciate both its aesthetic and its connection to a pivotal period in American history. The intricate design and fine craftsmanship of the stamp further enhance its desirability.

8. 15c Landing of Columbus with Inverted Center, 1869

Auctioned for $800,000

This stamp features a famous painting by John Vanderlyn depicting the historic landing of Christopher Columbus. Issued in 1869, it is one of the notable stamps from the Pictorial Issue series, known for its innovative designs that broke away from the traditional portraits of historical leaders. The stamp’s depiction of Columbus’s landing is not only historically significant but also artistically remarkable. What makes this stamp particularly unique and valuable is the printing error known as the inverted center.

In this error, the central image of Columbus’s landing is printed upside down relative to the frame of the stamp. Such printing mistakes are rare and highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and the intriguing stories they tell about the production process.

The stamp is printed in a distinctive combination of blue and brown, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. The intricate detailing and vibrant colors make it a visually striking piece. Collectors highly prize stamps in excellent condition, and this particular stamp met that criterion when it was auctioned. In 2013, this inverted center Columbus stamp was auctioned for a staggering $800,000. The high auction price reflects not only its rarity and historical significance but also its exceptional condition.

Stamps like this, with such unique errors and historical context, are considered treasures in the philatelic world. They represent a blend of art, history, and the fascinating quirks of early stamp production, making them invaluable to collectors and historians alike.

9. 2c Carmine Vertical Coil Pair, George Washington, Issued 1908

Auctioned for $700,000

Another notable stamp issue featuring George Washington is the 2c Carmine Vertical Coil Pair from 1908. This pair is considered one of the most significant rarities in the history of U.S. philately. The stamps are distinguished by their striking red coloration, printed on pristine white paper, making them visually appealing and historically significant.

The rarity of this vertical coil pair cannot be overstated. Finding an issue of the 1908 George Washington coil pair in perfect condition, complete with its original gum, is an extraordinary challenge. Experts estimate that only five such pairs exist in pristine condition today. This rarity elevates the stamps’ value and desirability among collectors.

One of these rare pairs is housed in the Miller collection at the New York Public Library, a testament to its historical and philatelic importance. The meticulous preservation and the exceptional condition of these stamps contribute to their high market value. In 2019, a pair of this 1908 George Washington issue was auctioned for an impressive $700,000. This staggering price reflects the stamp’s scarcity, historical significance, and the enduring fascination with George Washington as a central figure in American history.

Collectors and philatelists alike treasure such rare finds, not only for their monetary value but also for their role in preserving the rich tapestry of the United States’ postal history.

10. 30c Shield, Eagle & Flags Inverted, 1869

Auctioned for $600,000

This Shield, Eagle & Flags issue, auctioned for $600,000, holds a unique place in philatelic history. It is part of the 1869 Pictorial Issue, which was the first U.S. stamp series to deviate from the tradition of featuring portraits of prominent historical leaders. Instead, this series incorporated a variety of pictorial designs, with the Shield, Eagle & Flags stamp being a notable example.

A significant innovation of this stamp was its use of bicolor printing, a technique that involved printing in two colors. While this was an ambitious step forward in stamp design, it also led to several production challenges. The intricate process of aligning two different colors often resulted in misprints and design flaws, making these stamps infamous for their poor design and printing quality.

Despite these issues, or perhaps because of them, the Shield, Eagle & Flags stamp has become highly coveted among collectors. The stamp in question, which was auctioned at a Siegel auction in 2013, was in unused condition and retained its original gum—a factor that significantly enhances its value. Stamps with their original gum intact are rare finds, as many were used and thus lost this feature over time.