Errors in printing often turn ordinary stamps into legendary treasures, and the Inverted Locomotive stamp of 1901 is no exception. This remarkable stamp, part of the Pan-American Exposition series, features one of the most celebrated printing blunders in philatelic history. Recently honoured in a 24kt gold replica by Antigua & Barbuda, this rare gem continues to captivate collectors worldwide.
The Story of the Inverted Locomotive
The Inverted Locomotive stamp, issued on May 1, 1901, was part of the six-stamp series commemorating the Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo, New York. The stamps celebrated technological achievements, including transportation marvels like locomotives, steamers, and automobiles.
The error occurred when the central vignette (the locomotive) was printed upside down during the bi-colour printing process. F.W. Davis, a collector, discovered the mistake after purchasing a sheet of 50 two-cent stamps. Unaware of its potential value, Davis quickly sold the sheet for prices as low as $2 to $75, fearing more “inverts” existed.
Why is it Special?
- Bicolour Printing Challenge: At the time, printing stamps with two colours was a complex process, making errors like this inevitable but exceedingly rare.
- Surviving Rarity: While 50 copies were initially found, fewer than 200 examples of the Inverted Locomotive are believed to exist today.
- Historic Context: As the first bi-colour stamps of the 20th century, the Pan-American series holds great significance in U.S. postal history.
Current Market Value
The Inverted Locomotive remains one of the most sought-after U.S. error stamps:
- A well-cantered unused copy can fetch between $50,000 to $100,000 USD, depending on condition.
- Used examples with cancellations are slightly lower in value but still command impressive prices in the range of $25,000 to $40,000 USD.
Collectors prize the stamp for its rarity and its place as an early example of American printing errors.
Antigua & Barbuda’s Golden Tribute
On April 4, 1986, the government of Antigua & Barbuda issued an official 24kt gold replica stamp to honour the Inverted Locomotive. Paired with an enlarged reproduction of the original 1901 stamp, this commemorative issue pays homage to one of the most famous errors in philatelic history.
Call to Action
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