Stamps have been a popular collectible for many years, with some examples fetching high prices at auction. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 most expensive stamps in the world. From the famous British Guiana 1c Magenta to the rare Inverted Jenny, these stamps are not only valuable for their monetary worth but also for their historical significance and rarity. So, whether you’re a stamp collector or simply interested in the world of philately, read on to learn more about these valuable pieces of history.
10 Most Expensive Stamps In The World
| No | Most Expensive Stamp | Price |
| 1 | Mauritius Post Office Stamps | $12,760,600 |
| 2 | British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta | $11,601,700 |
| 3 | Benjamin Franklin Z Grill | $4,441,000 |
| 4 | Swedish Treskilling Yellow | $4,238,000 |
| 5 | Sicilian Error of Color |
$2,570,600
|
| 6 | Two Penny Blue |
$2,322,400
|
| 7 | The Whole Country Is Red | $2,302,700 |
| 8 | Alexandria Blue Boy | $2,035,500 |
| 9 | Baden 9 Kreuzer Error | $2,014,200 |
| 10 | Inverted Jenny | $1,627,700 |
Mauritius Post Office Stamps
Mauritius Post Office stamp is the most expensive stamp in the world. Mauritius Post Office stamps are issued by the government of Mauritius and are used for mailing letters and packages within the country and internationally. The stamps feature a variety of designs, including images of local wildlife, historical figures, and cultural landmarks. They are available in various denominations and can be purchased at post offices or online. These stamps are also collected by stamp enthusiasts and have historical and cultural significance.
British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta
British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta is the 2nd most expensive stamp in the world. The British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta is a postage stamp that was issued in 1856 by the British colony of Guiana, which is now known as Guyana. The stamp is considered to be one of the most valuable stamps in the world due to its rarity and historical significance.
The stamp features a magenta color and a denomination of 1 cent. It was printed on a piece of paper known as “chalky paper,” which was a type of paper that was used for printing stamps in the 19th century. The stamp was printed using a simple design, featuring a small image of the colony’s coat of arms, and the denomination in the center.
The British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta became famous due to its rarity. Only one known example of the stamp exists, and it has been passed down through several different collectors over the years. In 1873, the stamp was sold to the collector Frederick E. Small for $35, and it was later sold to other collectors for much higher prices. In 2014, the stamp was sold at an auction for $9.5 million, making it the most expensive stamp ever sold at the time.
The stamp has a storied history and is considered a treasure of Philately. It is also an important piece of historical memorabilia and serves as a reminder of the colonial history of Guyana and the postal system of the 19th century. The stamp is currently on display in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C.
Benjamin Franklin Z Grill
Benjamin Franklin Z Grill is the 3rd most expensive stamp in the world. Benjamin Franklin is often associated with the Z Grill, a type of postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service in 1867. The stamp features a portrait of Franklin in the center with a large “Z” in the background. It is considered one of the most valuable stamps in American history and is highly sought after by collectors. The stamp was only in circulation for a short period and very few were saved, making it one of the rarest stamps in the world.
Swedish Treskilling Yellow
Swedish Treskilling Yellow is the 4th most expensive stamp in the world. The Swedish Treskilling Yellow is a rare and valuable postage stamp that was issued in Sweden in 1855. It is considered one of the most valuable stamps in the world, with a current estimated value of over $2 million. The stamp is unique due to its yellow color, as all other stamps of that era were printed in different colors. It was discovered in 1886 by a schoolboy in Stockholm, and it has since been passed down through several private collections. The stamp has been the subject of much controversy and speculation, with some experts questioning its authenticity. Despite this, it remains one of the most highly sought-after stamps in the world.
Sicilian Error of Color
Sicilian Error of Color is the 5th most expensive stamp in the world. The Sicilian Error of Color stamp refers to a misprint in a series of stamps issued by the Italian island of Sicily in 1859. The stamps were intended to be black and red, but due to a printing error, they were printed in black and blue. This error made the stamps highly sought after by collectors and they are now considered to be rare and valuable.
Two Penny Blue
Two Penny Blue is the 6th most expensive stamp in the world. Two Penny Blue is a stamp issued by the United Kingdom in 1840, the first official postage stamp of the British Isles. The stamp features a portrait of Queen Victoria and the denomination “TWO PENCE” in blue color. It was used for mail within the United Kingdom and was valid for use until 1841 when it was replaced by the Penny Black. The Two Penny Blue is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after stamps in the world due to its historical significance and rarity.
The Whole Country Is Red
The Whole Country Is Red is the 7th most expensive stamp in the world. The “Whole Country Is Red” stamp was a commemorative stamp issued in China in 1949, celebrating the victory of the Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The stamp features a red background with the words “Whole Country Is Red” written in white, symbolizing the unity and triumph of the Communist Party throughout China. This stamp was widely used during the early years of the People’s Republic of China and remains an iconic symbol of the country’s history.
Alexandria Blue Boy
Alexandria Blue Boy is the 8th most expensive stamp in the world. The Alexandria Blue Boy stamp is a rare and valuable stamp that was issued in 1857 by the Alexandria, Virginia post office. It features a portrait of a young boy wearing blue clothing and is considered one of the most beautiful stamps of the 19th century. Only a small number of these stamps were printed, and they are highly sought after by collectors. The stamp is named after the painting “The Blue Boy” by Thomas Gainsborough, which is located at the Huntington Library in California.
Baden 9 Kreuzer Error
Baden 9 Kreuzer Error is the 9th most expensive stamp in the world. The Baden 9 Kreuzer Error stamp is a postage stamp issued by the Grand Duchy of Baden in Germany in the late 1800s. The error occurred during the printing process, resulting in a misaligned overprint that caused the denomination of the stamp (9 Kreuzer) to be partially obscured. This error is considered rare and valuable among stamp collectors.
Inverted Jenny
Inverted Jenny is the 10th most expensive stamp in the world. The Inverted Jenny is a United States postage stamp that was issued in 1918 and features a Curtiss JN-4 airplane with an inverted image of the aircraft. The stamp was printed in a small batch of only 100 stamps, and due to a printing error, only one sheet of the stamps was printed with the inverted image. As a result, the Inverted Jenny is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after stamps in the world. Today, a single Inverted Jenny stamp can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stamps are worth money?
- Penny Blacks: The first stamp ever issued, the Penny Black is considered one of the most valuable stamps in the world.
- Inverted Jennies: An error stamp from 1918, the Inverted Jenny features an upside-down image of an airplane and is considered one of the most valuable stamps in the US.
- British Guiana One-Cent Magenta: One of the most valuable stamps in the world, the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta was first issued in 1856 and is considered one of the rarest stamps in existence.
- Plate 77 Penny Reds: A series of stamps issued in the UK in the mid-19th century, the Plate 77 Penny Reds are considered valuable due to their rarity and historical significance.
- Hawaii Missionaries: A series of stamps issued in the Kingdom of Hawaii in the mid-19th century, the Hawaii Missionaries are considered valuable due to their rarity and historical significance.
- Benjamin Franklin Z Grill: This is the 3rd most expensive stamp in the world, sold for $4,441,000.
- Blue Mauritius: This is the most expensive stamp in the world, sold for $12,760,600.
- The British Guiana 1c Magenta: This is the 2nd most expensive stamp in the world, sold for $11,601,700.
Note: These are just a few examples of stamps that are considered valuable. The value of stamps can change over time, and the condition of the stamp also plays a role in determining its value. It’s always best to consult with a stamp expert or professional appraiser to determine the true value of a stamp.
How much is a stamp?
As of January 2023, the cost of a regular first-class stamp in the United States is 55 cents. However, prices may vary depending on the type of stamp or mail service being used. It is best to check with the United States Postal Service (USPS) for current prices and options.
How much is a forever stamp?
As of 2023, the current price for a forever stamp is 63 cents.
How much is a first-class stamp?
As of 2023, the cost of a first-class stamp in the United States is $0.6. However, prices are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the current cost on the official United States Postal Service website.
What was the stamp act?
The Stamp Act was a tax imposed by the British government on the American colonies in 1765. It required that a stamp be placed on all printed materials, including legal documents, newspapers, and magazines, as well as on items such as playing cards and dice. The tax was intended to help pay for the expenses incurred by the British government during the French and Indian War. The act was deeply unpopular in the colonies, and it led to widespread protests and boycotts. Ultimately, the Stamp Act was repealed in 1766, but it was one of several events that contributed to the growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain that eventually led to the American Revolution.
How much is our stamp?
The cost of a U.S. stamp can vary depending on the type of stamp, but as of 2023, the cost of a standard first-class stamp is 0.6 cents.
What side does the stamp go on?
The stamp goes on the upper right corner of the envelope or package.
What are the rarest stamps in the world?
- The British Guiana One-Cent Magenta – Considered the most valuable stamp in the world, this stamp was issued in 1856 and only one specimen is known to exist.
- The Treskilling Yellow – A Swedish stamp issued in 1855, this stamp is the only known example of its kind and is considered one of the rarest stamps in the world.
- The Mauritius “Post Office” stamps – These stamps were issued in 1847 and are considered among the first stamps of the British Empire. Only 26 specimens are known to exist.
- The Inverted Jenny – A US stamp issued in 1918, this stamp is known for its printing error where the image of the airplane is upside down. Only 100 specimens are known to exist.
- The Penny Black – The world’s first adhesive postage stamp, issued in 1840 in the United Kingdom. Only around 68 million were printed and now only a few are left in good condition.
- The “Blue Mauritius” – A rare stamp from the island of Mauritius, only two specimens exist in the world and it is considered one of the most sought-after stamps of all time.
- The Red Mercury Head – A US stamp issued in 1894, this stamp is known for its printing error where the image of the head of Mercury is red instead of blue. Only around 100 specimens are known to exist.
- The Tyrian Plum – An Australian stamp issued in 1913, this stamp is known for its deep purple color and only two specimens are known to exist.
- The Great Britain Penny Red – A British stamp issued in 1841, this stamp is known for its deep red color and only a few specimens are known to exist in the world.
- The “Z” Grill – A US stamp issued in 1868, this stamp is known for its unique grill pattern and only two specimens are known to exist.
What rare stamps are collectors looking for?
Collectors are always looking for rare stamps that are in high demand. Some examples of rare stamps that are highly sought after include the Inverted Jenny, the Treskilling Yellow, and the British Guiana 1c magenta. These stamps are considered rare due to their limited printing numbers, historical significance, or errors in printing. However, the rarity and value of a stamp can also be influenced by its condition, so collectors need to look for stamps that are in good condition. Additionally, some collectors may also be interested in stamps from a specific country or era, such as classic US stamps or early European stamps.
Are old stamps worth any money?
The value of old stamps can vary widely depending on several factors, such as rarity, condition, and demand. Some old stamps may have little monetary value, while others can be quite valuable. It is best to consult a stamp expert or appraiser to determine the value of specific stamps.
How many stamps do I need?
It depends on the weight and destination of your mail. You can visit the USPS website to calculate the cost of postage for your specific mailing needs. Alternatively, you can visit your local post office for assistance in determining the number of stamps required.
Do stamps ever lose value?
Yes, stamps can lose value over time. Factors that can affect the value of a stamp include condition, rarity, and demand. Additionally, changes in technology, such as the increase in electronic communication, have led to a decrease in demand for stamps and therefore, a decrease in their value. Some stamps may increase in value over time due to historical significance or rarity, but this is not always the case. It is important to note that the value of stamps is determined by the market, and can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors.
What is the most famous stamp?
The most famous stamp is widely considered to be the Penny Black, issued by Great Britain in 1840. This stamp featured an image of Queen Victoria and was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. It revolutionized the postal system and allowed for the widespread use of mail communication.
Are Kennedy stamps worth anything?
Kennedy stamps can be worth a significant amount, depending on the specific stamp and its condition. Some Kennedy stamps, such as the first issue of the Kennedy half-dollar stamp in 1964, can be worth several hundred dollars in mint condition. Other Kennedy stamps, such as those issued for the Kennedy centennial in 2017, may not be worth as much. It is important to consult with a stamp expert or appraiser to determine the value of a specific Kennedy stamp.
What does Z grill mean in stamps?
“Z Grill” is a type of stamp produced by the United States Postal Service during the Civil War era. The “Z Grill” is so named because of the small, diamond-shaped grill pattern pressed into the stamp paper. These stamps are considered to be some of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world, due to their limited production and historical significance.
What is the oldest stamp?
The oldest stamp is the Penny Black, which was issued in the United Kingdom in 1840. It featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and was used to pre-pay postage on letters.
