American flag stamps

Top 9 Most Valuable USA Stamps

Top 9 Most Valuable USA Stamps

USA patriotic stamps have always been important to American history and culture. The United States Postal Service has issued many different versions of the American flag and celebrities on stamps over the years. Some of these stamps have become extremely valuable over time. In this article, you’ll learn about the top 9 most valuable USA Stamps and what makes them valuable.

What Makes a Stamp Valuable?

Before we dive into the top 9 most valuable American stamps, it is important to understand what makes a stamp valuable. The value of a stamp depends on several things, such as its age, condition, rarity, historical importance, popularity with collectors, and the number of people who want to buy it. Here are the top five factors below that determine a stamp’s value:

Condition of the stamp

Stamps vary greatly in value depending on many factors, one of the most significant of which is their condition. Stamps that are undamaged, uncreased, and spotless are worth significantly more than those with flaws.

The rarity of the stamp

The rarity of a stamp is another important factor in determining its value. Stamps made in small numbers or with something special about them, like errors or misprints, are more valuable than common stamps.

The historical significance of the stamp

In general, commemorative stamps and other stamps related to history are worth more than regular stamps. Stamps produced during war or political unrest, for instance, often fetch high prices.

The popularity of the stamp among collectors

The number of stamp collectors who want to buy it can also affect its value. Stamps that collectors want a lot tend to be worth more than stamps that collectors want less.

The age of the stamp

Finally, the age of a stamp can also affect its value. Older USA stamps are often more valuable than newer stamps, mainly if they are in good condition and have historical significance.

The Top 9 Most Valuable USA Stamps

#1 The 1918 Inverted Jenny Stamp

William H. Gross Stamp Gallery - 1918: The Inverted Jenny

Image source: postalmuseum.si.edu

This stamp is considered one of the most famous and valuable USA stamps in history. It featured an image of a Curtiss JN-4 biplane flying upside down and was printed with the airplane appearing upside down on the sheet of stamps. Only 100 of these stamps were ever printed, making them extremely rare. Today, a single Inverted Jenny stamp can fetch over $1 million at auction.

#2 The 1869 Pictorial Issue 90-cent Stamp

Image source: eBay

This stamp shows a picture of Abraham Lincoln. Many assume that the cover was discarded or that the 90-cent stamp was removed by water and resold as a used item. In 2009, it reappeared and was sold in New York for $375,000.

#3 The 1869 Pictorial Issue 24-cent Stamp

1869 24c Declaration of Independence stamp - Marconisp

Image source:mysticstamp.com

This stamp features an image of the scene signing the Declaration of Independence and is part of the same set as the 90-cent stamp. The 24-cent stamp is slightly more common than the 90-cent stamp but still rare. A single 24-cent stamp in excellent condition can sell for over $200,000.

#4 The 1869 Pictorial Issue 30-cent Stamp

American Flag Stamp 1869 - Marconisp

Image source: postalmuseum.si.edu

This stamp features an image of the American eagle and is also part of the same set as the 90-cent and 24-cent stamps. The 30-cent stamp is slightly more common than the 24-cent stamp but still very valuable. A single 30-cent stamp in excellent condition can sell for over $100,000.

#5 The 1869 Pictorial Issue 15-cent Stamp

Landing of Columbus 15-cent stamp - Marconisp

Image source: postalmuseum.si.edu

This stamp features an image of the Landing of Columbus and is part of the same set as the other Pictorial Issue stamps. The 15-cent stamp is slightly more common than the 30-cent stamp but still very rare. A single 15-cent stamp in excellent condition can sell for over $50,000.

#6 The 1869 Pictorial Issue 10-cent Stamp

The 1869 Pictorial Issue 10-cent Stamp - Marconisp

Image source: www.uspcs.org

This stamp features an image of the eagle standing on a shield in yellow and is also part of the same set as the other Pictorial Issue stamps. The 10-cent stamp is slightly more common than the 15-cent stamp but still very valuable. A single 10-cent stamp in excellent condition can sell for over $20,000.

#7 The 1868 1-cent “Z” Grill Stamp

1-cent Franklin Z. Grill single - Marconisp

Image source: postalmuseum.si.edu

The 1-cent Franklin “Z” Grill Stamp, is popular among collectors. It was printed with small indentations in the shape of the letter “Z” to prevent fraud, making it one of the rarest stamps in American history. In 2019, one of only ten known “Z” grill stamps fetched a record-breaking $1.3 million at auction. It is a must-have for serious stamp collectors because of its rarity and historical significance.

#8 The 1869 Pictorial Issue 3-cent Stamp

The 1869 Pictorial Issue 3-cent Stamp - Marconisp

Image source: uspcs.org

The 1869 Pictorial Issue 3-cent Stamp features an image of a locomotive and is part of the same set as the other Pictorial Issue stamps. While it may not be as rare as some other stamps in the set, it is still quite valuable. A single 3-cent stamp can sell for several thousand dollars in excellent condition. According to the American Philatelic Society, as of 2021, over 1,500 examples of this stamp were recorded in their census.

#9 The 1875 Official Reprints of the 1869 Pictorial Issue Stamps

Stamp collectors were desperate for the 1875 official reprints of the 1869 Pictorial Issue stamps. The USPS says that the 1869 Pictorial Issue stamps were only reprinted in 1,040 sheets in 1875. The original printing plates were used to make these official reprints; thus, people often mistake them for original stamps. As a result, the 1875 official reprints are considered rare and valuable, with a single sheet of 100 stamps selling for upwards of $100,000 at auction.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, USA stamps have a long history and are highly valued by collectors. The top 9 most expensive USA stamps on this list represent some of history’s rarest and most significant examples of American patriotic stamps. Even though the value of these stamps can change over time, their importance in American philately remains the same. American patriotic stamps are a great addition to any collection, whether you have been collecting for a long time or are just starting. Here at marconisp.com, we select many of the most popular USPS American patriotic stamps for you. Click here and check them out right now.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *