Inverted jenny rare

The Inverted Jenny is one of the world's most famous philatelic errors, with only one known specimen. Issued in 1918, it depicts a Curtiss JN-4 airplane printed upside down.

About this subject

The Inverted Jenny, also known as the Upside-Down Jenny, is one of the most coveted items in world philately. It was issued by the United States on May 10, 1918, to commemorate the start of airmail service. The 24-cent stamp featured a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, nicknamed the Jenny. Due to a printing error at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a sheet of 100 stamps had the airplane printed upside down relative to the frame. This error was discovered only when collector William Robey purchased the sheet at a post office in Washington, D.C.

The complete sheet of Inverted Jenny was later broken up and sold individually. Each stamp is now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, considered a national treasure. The stamp is so valuable that authentic specimens are frequently stolen or counterfeited. In 2016, one stamp sold for $1.35 million at auction. The rarity stems from the fact that only 100 units were produced, and many have been damaged or destroyed over time. Today, it is believed that only 53 specimens survive in private collections and museums.

The story of the Inverted Jenny is filled with intrigue. Original buyer William Robey sold the sheet for $15,000, a fortune at the time. Later, the stamp was owned by famous collectors such as Edward H. R. Green and aviation businessman Arthur Hind. One stamp was used on a letter in 1918, which was later discovered and auctioned for over $200,000. The stamp has also inspired replicas, commemorative issues, and even a 2013 version with the correct image but an inverted background.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Inverted Jenny stamps exist today?

It is believed that only 53 of the original 100 specimens survive. Many were lost or destroyed over the century.

What is the value of an Inverted Jenny stamp today?

Depending on condition and certification, a stamp can be worth between $100,000 and $1.5 million. The auction record is $1.35 million in 2016.

Why is the airplane image upside down on the stamp?

It was a printing error at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. An entire sheet of 100 stamps was printed with the airplane upside down before the mistake was noticed.