Inverted jenny rare

The Inverted Jenny, issued in 1918, is one of the most valuable printing errors in philately, featuring an upside-down Curtiss JN-4 airplane.

About this subject

The Inverted Jenny is a United States postage stamp issued on May 10, 1918, to inaugurate airmail service. The 24-cent stamp depicts a Curtiss JN-4 biplane (nicknamed Jenny) flying over an airfield. Due to a printing error during two-color printing, a sheet of 100 stamps came out with the airplane upside down. This inverted version became known as the Inverted Jenny and is a legendary rarity in philately.

Only 100 such stamps were produced, with around 80 known surviving today. At auction, an Inverted Jenny can fetch over $1 million, with the most famous example selling for $2.7 million in 2005. Its rarity and iconic error make it a cornerstone of stamp collecting, comparable to the Penny Black or the US Z-Grill.

In 2013, a new print run of 100 inverted Jennys emerged from a private printing company, but their authenticity was disputed. The original Inverted Jenny remains the benchmark. Collectors worldwide, including in Brazil, prize this stamp, though Brazil has its own famous errors like the 'Olho de Boi' with perforation faults.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Inverted Jenny so valuable?

The Inverted Jenny is valuable due to its extreme rarity (only 100 stamps issued) and its famous printing error. It is one of the most sought-after stamps in the world, with examples selling for millions of dollars.

How can you identify a genuine Inverted Jenny?

A genuine Inverted Jenny has the Curtiss JN-4 airplane inverted relative to the background, clear printing, and correct perforation. Most surviving copies are recorded by experts. Counterfeits and recent reprints exist, so professional authentication is recommended.

Are there Brazilian stamps with similar errors?

Yes, Brazil has famous philatelic errors such as the 'Olho de Boi' (1843) with perforation faults, and the 'Cifra Horizontal' (1890) with inverted numbers. However, none have reached the value of the Inverted Jenny.