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Jun 14 2007

The World’s Most Famous, Valuable, and Rare Stamps

Published under Stamp Collecting,Stamps

Like any collectible, the philatelic world has its champions – the rarest, the highest price paid at auction. Some of these have long and interesting histories apart from the price paid.

1840-one-penny-black.jpg1840 One Penny Black

The first issued stamps, One Penny Blacks, are not extraordinarily rare. Yet one sold over 15 years ago at auction for over $2.4 million.

Photo: (Click to see larger image) Authentic world’s first prepaid stamp, the Penny Black, Great Britain 1840 with a red Maltese Cross cancellation.

modry_mauritius.jpg1847 Post Office Mauritius

Issued on the authorization of the Governor of a British colony in the Indian Ocean, the Mauritius is both rare and – like many valuable stamps – flawed. The designer incorrectly printed the words ‘Post Office’ rather than ‘Post Paid’ on the stamps, of which around 200 were produced. Only a few dozen remain and a cover with two stamps affixed sold at auction for $3.8 million over ten years ago.

Photo: A Mauritian Blue Penny taken by Petr Kalivoda used under GNU license.

two_cent_hawaiian_missionary.jpg1851 Hawaiian Missionaries

Hawaii issued its first stamps long before gaining statehood. Used as postage by missionaries, the 2-cent variety has become so rare that only 16 instances are known to exist. If you find one, you can expect to sell it for anywhere from $200,000 to about $800,000 depending on its condition. But the 5-cent and 13-cent issued around the same period can bring a pretty penny, as well.

gul_tre_skilling_banco.jpg1855 Tre Skilling Banco Yellow

One of the most famous of all stamps, this Swedish issue was printed in error. Tre (or ‘three’) skilling stamps in Sweden were printed on green colored paper, while yellow was reserved for the eight skilling issue.

One Tre Skilling Yellow sample was found in 1885 by a young Swedish lad, 14-year old Georg Backman, in his grandfather’s collection. Through the years this stamp has sold at various auctions with the latest one fetching over $2.24 million ten years ago.

There are no other samples known, making it the rarest stamp known to exist.

1856-british-guiana-one-cent-black-on-magenta.jpg1856 British Guiana One Cent Black on Magenta

Long the superstar of the stamp world, the 1 cent British Guiana is among the rarest stamps on the planet. Produced in this remote colony, the issue is a rectangle with clipped corners. Individually hand-initialed by a post-office employee, one sold at auction over 25 years ago for $935,000.

1867 Z-Grills

Benjamin Franklin would be delighted were he to discover the price paid for an 1867 Z-Grill. Z-Grills are imprinted with a rectangular pattern that depicts the face of the author of Poor Richard’s Almanac. The pattern was an anti-cheating device, but used only for a short time. Only two are known to exist and one sold for $938,000 at auction nearly 20 years ago.

The Latin saying ‘De Gustibus Non Disputandum’ (‘There’s no disputing taste’) is nowhere more true than in stamp collecting. Many would regard these examples as little more than interesting curios of paper and ink. But to the philatelist with a passion for history, detective work and the joy of collecting they are priceless. Or, nearly so.

Related posts:

  1. Stamps: Collecting Perfins
  2. Stamps As Investments
  3. Stamp Collecting: Forgeries
  4. Collecting Stamps: Watermarks
  5. Supplemental Stamp Collectibles


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44 responses so far

44 Responses to “The World’s Most Famous, Valuable, and Rare Stamps”

  1. # Ritaon 29 Aug 2007 at 2:12 am

    I currently have the 1 cent black on magenta stamp. I am interested in selling it. Please contact me at 718-464-8075 if you are interested or email me at vdeonarain@aol.com

  2. # Qon 01 Sep 2007 at 4:37 am

    I have a collection of worldwide stamps from the 1800′s and early 1900′s. Is there a guide to the ones of value with respect to each country? Thankyou. Q.

  3. # heidi greenwoodon 25 Sep 2007 at 3:19 am

    i have the 1 cent black on magenta stamp. in mint conditon.
    also i have the 1847 Post Office Mauritiuss them
    can you tell me what they are worth. or who buy

  4. # kon 05 Nov 2007 at 4:03 pm

    i have a 1704 stamp fram england the oldest stamp ever

  5. # kon 05 Nov 2007 at 4:04 pm

    its worth 5 million

  6. # Maryon 26 Dec 2007 at 5:14 pm

    We have many, many stamps from all over the world and would like to know where to find the value, any help you could give us would be greatly appreciated.

  7. # Rayon 31 Dec 2007 at 4:30 am

    I have a ben franklin one cent stamp, green/blue in color with to cherbs on each side of him. on the face it says 1706 Franklin 1790, postage one cent and at the top it says, something to small to read and then, United States of America over his head. Look ing for a good place to have it appraised? Thanks Ray

  8. # ANDREAon 25 Jan 2008 at 12:43 am

    WANT TO NO HOW MUCH A 1880 STAMP IS WORTH.

  9. # paul smithon 04 Mar 2008 at 9:04 pm

    i have a facsimile of i believe to be a British Guiana One Cent , but its in a really deep purple in color, any ideas of what it could be worth if anything thank you.

  10. # louon 21 Apr 2008 at 6:16 pm

    I have a ben franklin one cent stamp, green/blue in color with to cherbs on each side of him. on the face it says 1706 Franklin 1790, postage one cent and at the top it says, something i think sais something 1902 and United States of America over his head.

  11. # alfredoon 27 Apr 2008 at 5:18 am

    I have several one penny stamps, depicting cherbs on either side…. need to know how much they’re worth. Can anyone help?

  12. # Klaus-Dieter Kunzeon 22 Aug 2008 at 2:55 pm

    I have many stamps from Germany dating back to 1956 , from Singapore & Malaysia 2 complete Albums but mostly from Indonesia. Among others a complete album of Indonesia’s first official stamps (241 stamps and 4 commemorative stamp sheets), and 51 (first day of issue) sets (envelope and stamps) starting from 1955 up to 1965. Could anyone give me any clue or help of how to find their values please?! I am interested in selling them.

  13. # Dr. Mohunon 23 Aug 2008 at 12:57 am

    I want to buy very old stamps from any countries. I can also exchange!

    If you are interested just let me know at al-mulk@live.com!

    Thanks!

  14. # RBon 01 Oct 2008 at 3:47 am

    I have recently inherited a very large stamp collection from a couple of generations in my family. Most of them are foreign and some are American. There are some with Hitler on them. I have no idea where to begin to find out what they are worth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  15. # Keith Kroberon 20 Oct 2008 at 11:36 am

    The best way to find out the value of any stamp or collection is to contact these guys: http://www.webuystamps.co.uk
    They can value all of your stamps and buy them from you as well – all free of charge.
    Keith

  16. # akashon 26 Oct 2008 at 12:28 am

    I have some very rare old stamps.I wanna sell them. Some 1 interested?

  17. # akashon 26 Oct 2008 at 1:38 am

    Look at this one “NATALE POSTAGE ONE HALF PENNY”

    How much is it worth, can some 1 tell me please? I want to sell it

  18. # bryanon 31 Oct 2008 at 12:25 am

    i have a lot of stamps that are antique and i dont know to take them to so they can like check their value please contacct me at 619 429 47 61

  19. # bryanon 31 Oct 2008 at 12:28 am

    hey its me again i have very very antique stamps from all over the worl d antique letters all kinds books with alot of old stamps and i really need to find the value of them pleasse contact me at 619 429 47 61 please

  20. # praduyman .a divechaon 28 Dec 2008 at 11:01 am

    i have big collwection stamp hobbey. all over world collection. some stamp are vere rare stamp collection. 2penney blue 1847 mouritius. 1942 burma japan o.c.c. full sit 320 staps. u.s.a.1936 miss print.china 1936 miss print. lot of over print stamp.

  21. # praduyman a.divechaon 09 Feb 2009 at 10:48 am

    i have big lot stamp collection .world femos stamp,burma 1942 one paisa occ stamp full shieet 320 stamp mint. lotof over print stamp, allare18in centure 4000.stampin my collection. ill are shilling. plese helr me.

  22. # Nagalakshmion 16 Mar 2009 at 5:08 am

    Hello Praduyman, I would like to purchase your stamp collection. contact me at: nagatlakshmi@gmail.com

  23. # praduyman a. divechaon 20 Apr 2009 at 12:17 am

    i have praduyman a.divecha your webside in my letter .plese contek e.mail is divecha2001@yahoo.co.in & phone no.09228253707 .p;ese help me .ihave big lot stamp collection .burma japan occ.one cent stamp.peock no.5. full sit 320 stamp . with over print in mily admn .elphants heads are woter markin. other lot rare stamp in my collection.

  24. # praduyman a. divechaon 20 Apr 2009 at 12:49 am

    ipraduyman a.divecha. bigcollection stamp hobey.allover world 18&19 centure collection. usa, british& british common wealth. sweden, china,russia, germany,. airmail s.p.. rare over print. sp.mosul stamp &sit halfanna to eight annas stamp.&post cacd 1919.great britan 1922,1923,1924 post card.

  25. # Saad Khanon 24 Apr 2009 at 12:23 am

    I also have some inherited stamps, I scanned few of them and store it over here >> http://www.box.net/shared/pgiiqz6yyn << for valuation purpose, if you are interested in them you can contact me at saadipathaan@gmail.com – I got more which I am scanning now a days.

  26. # Kelly Monroeon 08 May 2009 at 1:48 am

    I have a ben franklin one cent stamp it is post dated 1936, is it worth anything Thank you Mr. Kelly Monroe

  27. # koncz lajoson 19 Jun 2009 at 10:29 am

    Dear Mr I have for sale one stamp Germany 1945 bodenreform 12 pf rot special paper(cigaretenpaper) very rare,very good condition.

  28. # Joanneon 13 Jul 2009 at 7:00 am

    I have penny black, the blue, brown and red. I would like to know the prices

    Thanks

    JM

  29. # johnon 30 Jul 2009 at 11:38 pm

    Hi joanne send me a scan johnburnslfc@eircom.net

  30. # Darin Vegaon 28 Sep 2009 at 2:48 am

    I have an extensive collection of both world and U.S. STAMPS early and rare, 1840′s and 50′s parts of the collection are known to be scarce. I have taken pictures of the collection and uploaded them to photobucket.com for viewing. This collection is very valuable so serious inquiries only. You may contact me by email only at mitcareer@aol.com Thanks DV

    Username:darinvega

    Password:radiohead

  31. # koncz lajoson 02 Oct 2009 at 5:04 pm

    I have stampcolection Germany 1900-1940, interested contact me.I want to sell. konczlajos@freemail.hu

  32. # James R Angelon 21 Nov 2009 at 7:15 am

    I have 2 stamps, a 1 cent, George

    washington dated 1732 to 1932.

    I also have 2 cent stamp with the same date.

    thank you

    James R Angel
    l

  33. # Robbon 29 Nov 2009 at 3:57 pm

    I have 10 stamps from the Hawaiian Monarchy Date from 1800′s to early and mid 1900′s referred to as the missionaries … also have one is from 1778 but I’m sure its a commemorative stamp…

    Does anyone know how much they are worth ???
    I’m going to sell them on eBay!

  34. # Liz kingon 08 Dec 2009 at 8:00 am

    Hi there I’m in aus and recently found an album in a socond hand store opened it up and lots of stamps all over the world some never stamped please get back to me the date in the album is 1974 but there are heaps of older stamps including a remake of the black penny re issued but not sure what date

  35. # faroukon 23 Jan 2010 at 10:01 pm

    bonjour …
    je voudrais connaitre le timbre poste de collection (la cote) ou le prix du timbre poste sur catalogue 2009 .
    – je possede un timbre poste de la republique dominican
    daté : (1866 – 1874 )
    le titre du timbre : (God country Liberty ) ou bien ( DIOS PATRIA IBERTAD )
    value inscr du timbre : ( Medio real ) et (1/2 R)
    couleure :( on greenich yellow ) ou bien ( Olivier jaune ) .
    je vous remérci d’avoire la répense sur mon email toulon31000@yahoo.fr

  36. # Peteon 04 Feb 2010 at 4:00 am

    Hello all if you have all varities of stamps old from different countries like china, japan, usa, canda etc etc.. and you don’t know how much they are worth or have no knowledge of it email me at psardar@hotmail.com and i can tell you. I also collect stamps if they are worth some price i’ll pay you for it. thanks

    Pete

  37. # StampKingon 19 Feb 2010 at 3:36 am

    i have a 1698 stamp it is, well i think the oldest stamp and not 1704 but that ones pretty rare and by the way it is MINT condition and i think it might be worth well over 5 million and maybe more and i have about 2000 stamps in a album, mostly from 1934 and up and some are older than 1850 if you can tell me the prices email me at http://www.bamiot@live.ca or call 780-747 9411.

  38. # philipon 11 May 2010 at 12:34 pm

    ,I have a Bin jamin franklin one cent stamp, /blue/dark -like darrk lila. in color with to cherbs on each side of him. on the face it says 1706 Franklin 1790, postage one cent and at the top it says, something i think sais something 1901 and United States of America over his head.is very valuable so serious inquiries only. You may contact me by email only at.Rintintin2000@hotmail.de.. or call me Home 0303234722 germmany Berlin. MR philip. thanks

  39. # rachelon 08 Jul 2010 at 6:58 pm

    hi i have a 1 oenny btitish stamp from 1955 does anyone know if its worth anything?

  40. # valon 25 Sep 2010 at 7:15 am

    i just have a stamp collection of the first 39 presidents and the united states seal stamp included and all on one page. but one things or sure i dont know if it has a value or not. i’ll find out sooner or later. if your interested i knowing what they look like heres the link to my photos of them… i just hope it works

    http://www.myspace.com/543917467/photos/albums/cool-stamps/667924#mssrc=SitesPhotos_SP_AlbumCover_ViewAlbum

    i kinda want to find out what the value is. does anybody know???
    click it or copy and paste it. i dont have the last three presidents but the first 39 with the U.S. seal stamp. if you have answers to my question than tell me on the profile you will see

  41. # mrs rizwanaon 26 Mar 2011 at 5:39 am

    i have my dads collection of stanley gibbons albums the oldest ones with stamps of yr 1840.i now want to sell these.

  42. # v baluon 23 Apr 2011 at 8:33 am

    i have lots of old stamps ie from 1841 onwards. i have one penny great britain stamp of 1841. .

    there is a first day cover of the republic of india stamp signed by the then President of india DR Rajendra Prasad. all the above are for sale . interested people may contact me thro mail. bsmanyamv@yahoo.co.in

  43. # Kothmanon 06 May 2011 at 6:33 pm

    I have inherited a larg amount of world stamps. I have recently started to put them in an album. How do I go about finding the value to sell them.

    Would appreciate any help on this matter.

  44. # praduyman a. divechaon 04 Nov 2011 at 7:15 am

    i have world rare stamp collection in my hobby lsat 40 years .usa, g.b, canada, France , india, Burma, noyta cccp,brites commonwealth, about 1500 rare stamp 18in centure., burma 1942 japan occ one paisa full seat in 320 stamps &over print in mily adam. ihave all are shilling my collection.please contact. my e.mail.phone no. divecha2001@yahoo.co.in, ph.09228253707……

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