
The thrill of the hunt for rare and valuable US postage stamps is a fascinating one. Some of these stamps can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
The 1918 "Inverted Jenny" stamp, for example, is one of the most famous and valuable stamps in the world. It can sell for up to $1 million.
To get started on your own stamp collection, you'll want to focus on stamps that are in good condition and have a high demand. The 1869 "Benjamin K. Miller" stamp, with its unique perforation, is a great example of a valuable stamp that's still relatively affordable.
A good condition 1869 "Benjamin K. Miller" stamp can sell for up to $20,000.
Most Valuable US Postage Stamps
The most valuable US postage stamps are truly a fascinating topic. The Inverted Jenny stamp, issued in 1918, is one of the rarest and most valuable US stamps, with only 100 printed and sold for $1.35 million in 2016.

A single sheet of 100 stamps was sold to a collector, leaving only a few examples in circulation. The Inverted Jenny's value comes from its rarity and historical significance, as it was the first plane used to deliver mail in the US.
The Inverted Jenny's price tag is impressive, but it's not the only valuable US stamp. The 1-Cent Z Grill stamp, issued in 1868, is another rare and valuable stamp, with only two known copies existing today. One of these copies sold for $935,000 in 1998.
Here are some of the most valuable US postage stamps:
American
American stamps have a rich history, and some of them are extremely valuable. The 1868 One-cent 'Z' Grill stamp is one of the rarest and most valuable US stamps, with only two copies known to survive.
This stamp was featured in the William H. Gross Collection of United States Stamps, which was auctioned off with an estimate of $4 to $5 million. The collection was built over decades by Gross, who co-founded PIMCO in 1971.
The 1868 One-cent 'Z' Grill stamp was donated to The New York Public Library in 1925, leaving the example owned by Gross as the only One-cent 'Z' Grill available to collectors. This stamp is a great example of the rarity and value of some American stamps.
The most valuable American stamps include the Abraham Lincoln Z Grill (1867), which sold for $1.6 million, and the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill (1868), which sold for $3 million. These stamps are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices at auction.
Here are some of the most valuable American stamps:
These stamps are not only valuable but also have a rich history and significance. The Inverted Jenny, for example, is one of the most famous US stamps, and its unique design and rarity make it highly sought after by collectors.
What to Do With Old Items
Your grandmother collected stamps as a child, and now she wants you to help her research her collection's value today, but you're no expert.
You can start by asking her about the stamps she collected, such as the countries they came from, the years they were issued, and any notable events or people featured on them.
Knowing where and how to find information about stamps and their value can help you help grandma.
Start by organizing her collection, and use a stamp catalog or online resource to identify the stamps and their values.
You can also try to find any documentation or certificates that came with the stamps, such as proof of authenticity or value.
Organizing and researching your grandmother's stamp collection can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
Sell Your Stamps Through the Right Channel
If you think you've got a rare stamp, contact some of the best auction houses around the world, like Sotheby's and Bonhams, to see if they'd like to sell it.
A few of the most valuable stamps have sold through private transactions, often brokered through collectors' circles, so don't count out reaching out to local collectors' groups either.
Places like eBay, Etsy, and RubyLane are great options for selling lower-value stamps, and they're often much quicker than dealing with auction houses.
You can make the big bucks selling rare stamps through auction houses, but there's no guarantee, and they'll make a premium off the sale.
The William H. Gross Collection of United States Stamps, which includes the 1868 One-cent 'Z' Grill, is being auctioned off with a $4 to $5 million estimate.
Only two copies of the 1868 One-cent 'Z' Grill are known to survive, and the one being auctioned off is the only one available to collectors.
Gross has sold over $24 million in stamps through Siegel Auctions to raise money for various charities, and his collection of United States stamps in a simple album is expected to bring $15 to $20 million at auction.
What to Do with Old Items
Your grandmother collected stamps as a child, and now she wants you to help her research her collection's value today, but you're no expert. Knowing where and how to find information about stamps and their value can help you help grandma.
You can start by researching online marketplaces like eBay or specialized stamp collector communities to see what similar stamps are selling for. This will give you a general idea of the value of your grandmother's collection.
Your grandmother's collection might be worth a lot, especially if it includes rare or hard-to-find stamps. In fact, some stamps can be worth thousands of dollars.
You can also check with local stamp collectors or dealers to see if they're interested in buying your grandmother's collection or can provide more information about its value. They might even be able to appraise the collection for you.
It's a good idea to get multiple appraisals from different sources to ensure you're getting an accurate value for the collection. This will also give you a sense of the collection's overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the holy grail of stamps?
The British Guiana 1-cent magenta postage stamp is considered the holy grail of stamps due to its rarity and historical significance. It's the only one known to exist today, making it a highly sought-after treasure among stamp collectors.
What are the rarest US postage stamps?
The rarest US postage stamps include the Inverted Jenny, 1847 Issue Block of 16 of Ben Franklin, and 1869 Pictorials—Inverted Center Errors, which are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique errors and historical significance. These stamps are extremely rare and valuable, making them a fascinating topic for philately enthusiasts.
Is there an app to scan stamps for value?
Yes, there is an app called Stamp Value Identifier that helps you scan stamps for their value, available for download in multiple countries. This app is a great resource for stamp collectors looking to learn more about their collections.
Sources
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/antiques-collectibles/most-valuable-postage-stamps
- https://www.articleted.com/article/624748/203712/Top-5-Most-Valuable-US-Stamps-and-Their-History
- https://www.history.com/articles/10-most-valuable-stamps-in-american-history
- https://www.philatelicly.com/rarest-stamps-most-valuable-u-s-stamps/
- https://www.finebooksmagazine.com/news/americas-most-valuable-postage-stamp-auction-5-million-estimate
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