| Inverted Jenny Position 49 |
$1,950,000 |
November 2023 |
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries |
| 1867 15¢ Lincoln Z-Grill |
$725,000 |
June 2023 |
Cherrystone Auctions |
| 1918 24¢ Inverted Jenny Block of Four |
$4,850,000 |
October 2022 |
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries |
| 1857 3¢ Washington Type I Position 99R2 on Cover |
$120,000 |
April 2023 |
H.R. Harmer |
| 1869 90¢ Lincoln with G Grill |
$85,000 |
January 2023 |
Cherrystone Auctions |
</tbody>
</table>
The Win the War Stamp and Other WWII-Era Issues
The 3-cent Win the War stamp was issued on July 4, 1942, to commemorate America’s war effort. While regular examples are common, certain errors and varieties of this and other World War II-era stamps have become valuable. The stamp features a powerful “V” for victory design with an eagle and thirteen stars representing the original colonies.
Famous Modern Errors
Several modern US stamps have become valuable due to printing errors:
- 1962 Dag Hammarskjöld Invert: While many of these yellow inverts exist after the Post Office deliberately reprinted them, original unintentional errors can be quite valuable.
- 1992 25¢ Stock Exchange Bicentennial Invert: This modern invert error can sell for thousands of dollars.
- 2018 $5 Statue of Freedom Inverted Die Cut: One of the most valuable modern errors, discovered on the high-value Statue of Freedom stamp.
- 1979 $1 Rush Lamp with Inverted Flame: This famous error, showing an inverted candleholder with the flame appearing at the bottom, can sell for $15,000-$25,000.
Limited Edition Modern Issues
Some modern US stamps were issued in deliberately limited quantities or with special characteristics that have made them valuable:
- 1998 $1 Trans-Mississippi Souvenir Sheet: Uncut press sheets of this commemorative reissue were limited and have become quite valuable.
- 2013 $2 Jenny Invert Souvenir Sheet: The USPS deliberately created 100 sheets showing the airplane right-side up (reversing the original error) as a promotion. These “Upright Jenny” sheets have sold for $15,000-$50,000.
- 2018 “Frozen” Forever Stamp Error: An unintentional variety of the Art of Magic souvenir sheet with a special “frozen” printing effect has commanded high prices.
Essential Reference Materials
Serious collectors should invest in reliable reference catalogs:
- Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers: The definitive reference for US stamps, updated annually with current values.
- The United States Stamp 1847-1869 by Jon Rose: Excellent for early US issues.
- The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps: More accessible for beginners but less detailed than Scott.
Key Identification Factors
When examining potentially valuable stamps, pay attention to:
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Issue Date: Early US stamps (pre-1900) tend to be more valuable, especially the earliest issues from 1847-1869.
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Perforations: Measure perforations using a specialized perforation gauge. Unusual or rare perforation varieties can be quite valuable.
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Watermarks: Use watermark detection fluid or a special tray to identify watermarks, which can distinguish between common and rare varieties.
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Paper Types: Look for distinctive paper characteristics such as ribbing, laid lines, or unusual thicknesses.
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Color Variations: Subtle color differences can sometimes indicate rare varieties. Compare against reference examples when possible.
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Printing Methods: Understand the difference between flat plate, rotary press, and other printing methods used for US stamps.
Professional Authentication
For stamps that appear potentially valuable, professional authentication is essential:
- The Philatelic Foundation: One of the oldest and most respected authentication services.
- Professional Stamp Experts (PSE): Offers grading and authentication services.
- American Philatelic Society’s Expert Committee: Provides opinions on genuineness and identification.
Authentication typically costs $20-$100 per stamp depending on value and service, but is essential for rare items to confirm authenticity and maximize value.
Expert Resources for US Stamp Identification & Valuation
Market Factors Affecting Value
The value of rare US stamps is influenced by several market dynamics:
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Supply and Demand: The number of examples available versus collector interest directly impacts value. When demand exceeds supply, prices rise accordingly.
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Condition Grades: The philatelic grading system significantly affects value:
- Superb (98-100): Perfect in all respects, commands highest premiums
- Extremely Fine (85-90): Minor imperfections only visible under magnification
- Very Fine (75-80): Well-centered with normal margins
- Fine (70-75): Off-center but margins clear design
- Very Good (50-60): Noticeably off-center or minor defects
- Good (30-40): Significant defects but still collectible
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Certification Impact: Stamps with certificates from respected authorities like PSE or the Philatelic Foundation typically sell for 20-30% more than uncertified examples.
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Provenance Premium: Stamps from famous collections (like the Gross, Zoellner, or Lilly collections) often command 10-50% premiums.
Valuation Resources
Collectors have several resources to help value their stamps:
- Current Auction Results: Websites like Cherrystone Auctions provide records of recent sales.
- Dealer Price Lists: Major dealers like Mystic Stamp Company publish current asking prices.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay completed sales can provide value data for less rare stamps.
- Philatelic Appraisers: Professional appraisers can provide formal valuations for insurance or estate purposes.
Investment Perspective
From an investment standpoint, rare US stamps have shown different patterns:
- Blue-Chip Rarities: The rarest US stamps (Inverted Jenny, Z-grills, etc.) have appreciated steadily at 5-10% annually over decades.
- Mid-Range Rarities: Stamps in the $1,000-$10,000 range have shown more variable returns.
- Common “Rare” Stamps: Items often marketed as “rare” but actually common have generally underperformed as investments.
Serious investors should focus on stamps with:
- Genuine rarity (low survival numbers)
- Excellent condition
- Professional certification
- Clear provenance
Major Auction Houses
For truly rare and valuable US stamps worth over $1,000, specialized philatelic auction houses provide exposure to serious collectors:
- Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries: The premier US auction house for rare American stamps.
- Cherrystone Auctions: Specializes in rare stamps and postal history worldwide.
- H.R. Harmer: Historic auction house with regular US stamp auctions.
- Spink USA: International auction house with American offices specializing in rare philatelic material.
Auction houses typically charge a seller’s commission of 10-20% but reach the most serious collectors and typically achieve the highest prices for genuine rarities.
Specialized Stamp Dealers
Established stamp dealers can offer immediate payment, though usually at wholesale prices (60-80% of retail):
- Mystic Stamp Company: One of America’s largest stamp dealers, actively purchases rare US stamps.
- Apfelbaum, Inc.: Family-owned dealer specializing in US rarities since 1910.
- Jamestown Stamp Company: Specializes in buying US stamp collections and rarities.
The advantage of selling to dealers is immediate payment without waiting for an auction, though the price will typically be lower than auction results.
Online Marketplaces
For moderately valuable stamps ($50-$500), online platforms can be effective:
- eBay: The largest marketplace but requires shipping and payment knowledge.
- HipStamp: Specialized stamp marketplace with knowledgeable buyers.
- Delcampe: European-based but with many US collectors.
These platforms charge selling fees of 5-15% but provide direct access to collectors worldwide.
Authentication Before Selling
Before selling any stamp believed to be rare or valuable, authentication is strongly recommended:
- Professional Certification: Obtain certificates from respected services like The Philatelic Foundation or Professional Stamp Experts.
- Condition Report: A formal grading can significantly increase buyer confidence and realized prices.
- Research Provenance: Document any known history of the stamp, especially if it came from a notable collection.
Professional authentication typically costs $25-$100 per stamp but can increase selling price by 20-30% or more, making it a worthwhile investment for potentially valuable items.
Storage Materials
Use only archival-quality materials specifically designed for philatelic storage:
- Stamp Albums: Choose albums with acid-free pages and either hingeless mounts or high-quality stamp mounts.
- Stock Books: Archival-quality stock books with glassine or pergamyn strips provide safe storage.
- Stamp Mounts: Clear or black background mounts made from archival materials protect stamps without requiring hinges.
- Storage Boxes: For albums and stock books, use acid-free storage boxes that protect from light and dust.
Avoid:
- Regular photo albums
- Plastic sheets not specifically designed for stamps
- Paper envelopes containing acids
- Old-style stamp hinges (for valuable stamps)
Environmental Controls
The environment significantly impacts stamp preservation:
- Temperature: Maintain constant temperature between 65-72°F (18-22°C).
- Humidity: Keep relative humidity between 40-60%.
- Light Exposure: Minimize exposure to direct sunlight and UV light, which can fade colors.
- Air Quality: Store stamps away from kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with smoke or strong odors.
Consider a dedicated storage space with climate control for very valuable collections. Dehumidifiers or humidity controllers may be necessary in particularly damp environments.
Handling Techniques
Always handle rare stamps with appropriate care:
- Clean Hands: Always wash and dry hands before handling stamps.
- Stamp Tongs: Use rounded-tip stamp tongs rather than fingers to handle stamps.
- Work Surface: Use a clean, soft cloth or mat as a work surface.
- Lighting: Examine stamps under good but indirect lighting.
Avoid:
- Touching stamp surfaces with fingers
- Stacking stamps directly on top of each other
- Using tweezers instead of proper stamp tongs
- Bending or flexing stamps to remove from mounts
Insurance Considerations
For valuable stamp collections:
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Specialized Insurance: Regular homeowner’s insurance rarely provides adequate coverage. Consider specialized philatelic insurance from companies like Hugh Wood, Collectibles Insurance Services, or American Collectors Insurance.
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Documentation: Maintain detailed inventory records including:
- Digital photographs of each rare stamp
- Professional appraisals updated every 3-5 years
- Certificates of authenticity
- Purchase receipts or provenance documentation
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Secure Storage: Consider bank safe deposit boxes for extremely valuable items not being actively studied or enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rare US Stamps
What is the rarest US stamp?
The Benjamin Franklin Z-Grill from 1868 is widely considered the rarest US stamp, with only two known examples in existence. One of these sold in a swap valued at $3 million. The Z-grill refers to a special security embossing pattern applied to the stamp that was only used briefly. Due to its extreme rarity, this stamp represents the pinnacle of US philately.
What is the 3 cent Win the War stamp worth?
The 3-cent Win the War stamp, issued on July 4, 1942, has modest value in regular condition, typically selling for $0.25-$1.00. However, certain varieties and errors can be worth significantly more. The stamp was issued in large quantities to commemorate America's war effort during World War II, featuring a "V" for victory design with an eagle and thirteen stars representing the original colonies. Mint sheets and unusual printing errors of this stamp can command higher prices among specialized collectors.
What stamp sold for $2 million?
In November 2023, a position 49 Inverted Jenny stamp sold for $1.95 million at auction. The 24-cent Inverted Jenny airmail stamp from 1918 features an upside-down Curtiss JN-4 biplane due to a printing error. Only 100 of these error stamps were ever found (a single sheet), making them extremely rare and valuable. Position numbers refer to the stamp's place in the original sheet, with some positions considered more desirable due to better centering or other characteristics.
What is the holy grail of postage stamps?
While not a US stamp, the British Guiana 1-cent magenta is widely considered the "holy grail" of worldwide stamp collecting. It's the only known example of this 1856 stamp, making it the rarest stamp in existence. It last sold for $8.3 million in 2021. Among US stamps, the holy grail would likely be the 1868 Benjamin Franklin Z-Grill, with only two known examples, or the Inverted Jenny for its iconic status and fascinating history.
How do I know if my US stamps are valuable?
To determine if your US stamps might be valuable:
- Check issue dates - stamps from before 1900 have higher potential value
- Look for unusual characteristics - inverted centers, color errors, or printing mistakes
- Examine condition - mint condition stamps with original gum are typically more valuable
- Compare against catalog values in a current Scott Specialized Catalogue
- Check for watermarks and distinct perforation measurements
- Consider professional authentication for potentially rare items
Remember that most modern US stamps issued after 1930 in regular condition have minimal value above face value, though exceptions exist for certain errors and varieties.
Where can I sell valuable US stamps?
For valuable US stamps, consider these selling options:
- Specialized auction houses like Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Cherrystone Auctions, or H.R. Harmer for stamps worth $1,000+
- Established stamp dealers such as Mystic Stamp Company for immediate payment
- Online marketplaces like eBay or HipStamp for moderately valuable stamps
- Stamp shows with dealer bourse tables for in-person evaluation and offers
- Philatelic societies with trading or auction services for members
For the highest returns on genuinely rare and valuable stamps, auction houses typically achieve the best results despite their 10-20% commission, as they reach the most serious collectors.
Are stamps from the 1940s valuable?
Most common US stamps from the 1940s have minimal value beyond their face value, typically selling for $0.25-$1.00 each in mint condition. However, certain 1940s issues can be quite valuable:
- The 1942 Win the War stamp has modest value in regular form but certain errors can be valuable
- Rare printing errors from this era can command significant premiums
- Some specialized varieties with perforation or color variations have higher value
- Mint plate blocks and complete sheets generally carry premiums over single stamps
- First day covers from this era can have modest collector value
For most 1940s issues, condition is critical - only those in pristine mint condition typically interest serious collectors.
What are the top 50 most valuable US stamps?
The top most valuable US stamps include:
- Benjamin Franklin Z-Grill (1868) - $3 million+
- Inverted Jenny (1918) - $1-2 million
- 2¢ Blue Hawaiian Missionary (1851) - $500,000-$750,000
- 1¢ Benjamin Franklin "Z-Grill" (1867) - $935,000-$3,000,000
- 24¢ Declaration of Independence Inverted Center (1869) - $300,000-$500,000
- The Alexandria "Blue Boy" Postmaster’s Provisional (1846) - $1,000,000+
- 15¢ Landing of Columbus Inverted Center (1869) - $275,000+
- 30¢ Shield, Eagle & Flags Inverted Flags Error (1869) - $200,000+
- 4¢ Pan-American Exposition Invert (1901) - $75,000-$100,000
- 1¢ Pan-American Exposition Invert (1901) - $100,000+
The full list of top 50 would include various denomination errors, inverts, and exceptionally rare issues from the 19th and early 20th centuries, with values generally ranging from $20,000 to several million dollars.
The market for rare US stamps remains robust, with the most significant examples regularly achieving seven-figure prices at auction. While truly rare stamps represent a tiny fraction of all US issues, their stories and the history they embody make them enduringly collectible.
For those interested in exploring this fascinating field, a methodical approach combining research, authentication, and proper preservation will yield the best results. Whether you’re a seasoned philatelist or just beginning to explore the world of stamp collecting, the hunt for rare US stamps offers both intellectual stimulation and the potential for discovering hidden treasures.
The most valuable stamps often have the most fascinating stories - from printing errors discovered by chance to limited issues created during pivotal historical moments. These stories, as much as the stamps themselves, ensure that philately remains a vibrant collecting field more than 175 years after the first US postage stamps were issued.
Whether you’re evaluating a family collection, starting a new collecting interest, or considering stamps as an alternative investment, understanding what makes certain US stamps rare and valuable provides essential context for navigating this specialized market.
