The 9 most expensive postage stamps in the world
Stamp collecting is a popular hobby around the world, with collectors searching for rare and valuable stamps to add to their collections.
In this blog post, we explore the 9 most valuable postage stamps in the world and what makes them so sought after.
1. British Guiana 1c Magenta (1856)
The British Guiana 1c Magenta is considered the world's most valuable stamp, with a value of over $9 million.
It is the only surviving stamp of its kind, and its rarity is due to the fact that it was a one-time issue made to fill a postage shortage in British Guiana in 1856.
2. Treskilling Yellow (1855)
The Treskilling Yellow is a rare Swedish stamp that was printed in the wrong color, making it highly valuable. It was originally printed in green but due to a mix-up, some stamps were printed in yellow.
Only one sheet of eight stamps in yellow was ever printed, and today, a single Treskilling Yellow stamp can fetch up to $3 million.
3. Inverted Jenny (1918)
The Inverted Jenny is a famous American stamp that was printed upside down by mistake.
The stamp features an image of a biplane known as the Curtiss JN-4 and was printed in 1918. Today, the Inverted Jenny is highly sought after by collectors, and a single stamp can fetch up to $1.5 million.
4. Baden 9 Kreuzer Error (1851)
The Baden 9 Kreuzer Error is a rare German stamp that was printed with a misprint, making it highly valuable.
The stamp features a coat of arms, but due to an error, the coat of arms was printed upside down.
Today, only a few Baden 9 Kreuzer Error stamps are known to exist, and a single stamp can fetch up to $1.5 million.
5. Basel Dove (1845)
The Basel Dove is a Swiss stamp that is considered one of the most beautiful stamps in the world.
It features a dove flying over the city of Basel, and it was first printed in 1845.
Today, the Basel Dove is highly sought after by collectors, and a single stamp can fetch up to $50,000.
6. Hawaiian Missionaries (1851)
The Hawaiian Missionaries are a series of stamps that were issued by the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1851.
They are considered some of the rarest stamps in the world, with only a few surviving copies known to exist.
Today, a single Hawaiian Missionary stamp can fetch up to $100,000.
7. Red Revenue Small One Dollar Surcharge (1897)
The Red Revenue Small One Dollar Surcharge is a Chinese stamp that was printed during the Qing Dynasty.
It features a red surcharge on a blue stamp and was issued in 1897.
Today, the Red Revenue Small One Dollar Surcharge is highly sought after by collectors, and a single stamp can fetch up to $1 million.
8. Canada's 12 Pence Black (1851)
Canada's 12 Pence Black is a rare stamp that was issued in 1851.
It features an image of Queen Victoria and was printed in black.
Today, only a few surviving copies of the 12 Pence Black are known to exist, and a single stamp can fetch up to $250,000.
9. India's 10 Rupees Mahatma Gandhi Stamp (1948)
The India 10 Rupees Mahatma Gandhi Stamp was issued in 1948 after the death of Mahatma Gandhi.
The stamp features an image of Gandhi and is highly sought after by collectors.
Today, a single India 10 Rupees Mahatma Gandhi Stamp can fetch up to $50,000.
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.