What is the rarest US postage stamp?
James Craig
Published Jan 15, 2026
USA 1868 1¢ Benjamin Franklin Z Grill – $3 million (£2.6m) The 1868 Benjamin Franklin Z Grill is the rarest and most valuable of all US postage stamps. This example, which belongs to storied collector William H. Gross and is listed in the Scott Catalogue for $3 million (£2.3m), is only one of two in existence.
How can you tell if a stamp is rare?
How to Determine Stamp Values
- Identify the stamp.
- Find out when was the stamp issued.
- Know the stamp's age and material used.
- Determine the centering of the design.
- Check the stamp's gum.
- Determine the condition of the perforations.
- See if the stamp has been cancelled or not.
- Find out the rarity of the stamp.
Are stamps from the 1930s worth anything?
PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME, that just because a stamp was issued in the 1930's or 1940's, it is worth a fortune. Dealers, as well as some collectors, did a lot of heavy speculation during that time period, and there are hundreds of millions of those stamps, both mint and used, with very minimal value, on the market today.
What is the rarest George Washington stamp?
The 30¢ unwatermarked perforated 10 stamp from 1916–17—if it exists at all—remains the rarest of any Washington–Franklin issue belonging to a full series: fewer than 300 copies have been certified by various expertizing services.
What is the rarest stamp and how much is it worth?
The British Guiana 1c Magenta (1856), dubbed the "Mona Lisa of the stamp world", is believed to be the most valuable man-made item. Gram for gram, it is worth around 2.5 million times more than 24-carat gold, said leading dealer Stanley Gibbons - which purchased the stamp for $8.3m (£6.2m) at auction in June.
28 related questions foundWhat stamps are collectors looking for?
And these are the rarest 8 U.S. stamps that collectors covet:
- Inverted Jenny Stamp.
- 3c George Washington Stamp. ...
- 1c Benjamin Franklin Stamp (1868) ...
- 24c Declaration of Independence stamp. ...
- 1c Benjamin Franklin Stamp (1851) ...
- 30c Shield, Eagle, and Flags Stamp. ...
- 1c Benjamin Franklin Vertical Pair. ...
- 15c Landing of Columbus Stamp. ...
Is there an app to identify stamps?
ByTime - Date Stamp app requires Android 2.1 or later. This means that you will need to have a compatible device to use it.
How much is a red 2 cent George Washington stamp worth?
george washington red 2 cent stamp Value: $0.21 - $9,904.00 | MAVIN.
Which country stamps are most valuable?
Most Valuable Stamps in the World
- Mauritius Post Office Stamps. ...
- Bottom Line: Mauritius Post Office Stamps. ...
- 1859 Sicilian Error of Color. ...
- Bottom Line: 1859 Sicilian Error of Color. ...
- Treskilling Yellow. ...
- Bottom Line: Treskilling Yellow. ...
- British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta. ...
- Bottom Line: British Guiana 1 Cent Magenta.
How much is a $0.05 George Washington stamp worth?
The most valuable George Washington 5 cent stamp value is a 5-cent dollar with an image of George Washington on one side. Its value ranges from $0.60 to $350.05 depending on its grade and condition.
What are Elvis stamps worth?
“The factors that make a stamp valuable are rarity and scarcity, and anybody who wants the Elvis stamp can buy it locally. I think if speculators are buying, they're wasting time and money. “But the Elvis stamp will always be worth 29 cents in postage, so you can still use it to mail your utility bill.”
Are stamps from the 1940s worth anything?
PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME, that just because a stamp was issued in the 1930's or 1940's, it is worth a fortune. Dealers, as well as some collectors, did a lot of heavy speculation during that time period, and there are hundreds of millions of those stamps, both mint and used, with very minimal value, on the market today.
Do stamps expire?
No, U.S. postage never expires; you can use existing stamps indefinitely. All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. Mail service operates.
Are vintage stamps worth anything?
They are hardly ever worth anything significant unless, of course, they contain a rare stamp error.
How much are 1960 stamps worth?
In 1960, a stamp cost $0.04, which was equivalent to about $0.34 in today dollar. Inflation was slow to hit the post office, too. By the end of the decade, the cost of a single stamp had only risen to $0.06.
What does imperforate mean in stamp collecting?
Imperforate (Imperf): Stamps which have been deliberately printed and issued without perforations, so that they bear straight edges on all four sides. Imprint: When the name of the printer or issuing authority is inscribed on the stamps or in the sheet margins.
How much are Penny Black stamps worth?
Buy Penny Black Stamps Online
Penny Blacks can cost anywhere between $100-350 for an example in good condition. However, mint Penny Blacks may fetch upwards of $3000 at auction. Other than its condition, there are other factors that can affect the value of a Penny Black.
Are old stamps on envelopes worth anything?
A--Yes, but it depends on the stamp used and the postmark. Do not remove the stamps from the letters since collectors want the entire envelope as part of postal history. Take the letters to a stamp bourse or stamp store to get some idea of value.
How much is a green 1 cent George Washington stamp worth?
george washington 1 cent stamp Value: $0.99 - $1,709.20 | MAVIN.
What are the most valuable US stamps?
USA 1868 1¢ Benjamin Franklin Z Grill – $3 million (£2.6m) The 1868 Benjamin Franklin Z Grill is the rarest and most valuable of all US postage stamps.
What is a one cent Benjamin Franklin stamp worth?
Most 1¢ green Benjamin Franklin stamps are common and valued at less than $1, but two rotary press varieties that look almost the same as common flat-plate issues are scarce and worth thousands.
Are old 2 cent stamps worth anything?
Generally speaking, you can use any stamp as long as the value of the stamp is still used by the U.S. Postal Service. While you can likely use the 2 cent stamp, they are much better to use in a collection that will grow value over time, especially given their historical value.
Is a Penny Red stamp worth anything?
How much are Penny Reds worth? With more than 21 billion Penny Reds produced and used, the truth is that they are NOT rare – and usually NOT very valuable. If you own an imperforate Penny Red stamp in good condition, expect it to be worth between 50p to £5.
Are 3 cent stamps worth anything?
The rarest three-center, an 1867 rose-colored likeness of George Washington, is worth $45,000 in mint condition. But most old 3-cent stamps bring under $50, says Mr. Katz. "Everyone has them; they were printed by the millions.
How do I get my stamps appraised?
Look for an appraiser through authoritative sources like official stamp collection societies. The American Philatelic Society notes you may pay anywhere from $75 to $250 an hour to have the stamps/collection appraised. Some local groups, like the Northern Philatelic Society, may offer free appraisal services.
