No discussion of rare and legendary stamps is complete without the Inverted Jenny, a captivating printing error from 1918 that became one of the most iconic treasures in philately. A sheet of these stamps, featuring an upside-down airplane, was discovered entirely by chance. Recently honoured with a 24kt gold replica issued by Antigua & Barbuda, the story of the Inverted Jenny remains as thrilling today as it was over a century ago.
The Discovery of the Inverted Jenny
In May 1918, as the United States prepared to launch its first-ever airmail service, the 24-cent Curtiss Jenny stamp was issued to cover the postage for mail flown between Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.
The error came to light when William Robey, a stockbroker’s clerk, purchased a sheet of 100 stamps at face value—just $24. To his shock, the iconic Curtiss Jenny biplane in the stamp’s centre was printed upside down. Robey, realizing the rarity, quickly safeguarded his find, rejecting offers from postal inspectors who hoped to reclaim the sheet.
Within a week, Robey sold the sheet for an astonishing $15,000—a return 625 times his original investment! Shortly after, the sheet passed to wealthy collector Colonel Ned Green, who famously broke it into blocks and singles, fuelling the stamp’s mystique.
Why is it Special?
- First U.S. Airmail Stamp: Issued to commemorate the birth of airmail service in the U.S., the Inverted Jenny marked a historic milestone.
- Printing Error: Its upside-down airplane is one of the most famous and visually striking errors in philatelic history.
- Rarity and Survivors: Of the original sheet of 100 stamps, only 95 are accounted for today.
The stamp’s vivid imagery, coupled with its scarcity and compelling backstory, has elevated it to legendary status among collectors.
Current Market Value
The Inverted Jenny remains one of the most valuable and sought-after stamps in the world:
- In 2016, a single Inverted Jenny in mint condition sold for $1.35 million USD.
- Even stamps with minor imperfections regularly fetch $500,000 to $750,000 USD at auctions.
Collectors treasure the Inverted Jenny as the pinnacle of philatelic artistry and error.
Antigua & Barbuda’s Golden Tribute
Issued on April 4, 1986, Antigua & Barbuda’s 24kt gold replica commemorates the legendary Inverted Jenny with meticulous detail. Presented alongside an enlarged reproduction of the 1918 original, this tribute celebrates the enduring legacy of America’s most famous stamp error.
Call to Action
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