Inverted jenny rare

The Inverted Jenny, one of the world's rarest and most valuable stamps, is a 1918 printing error showing a Curtiss JN-4 airplane upside down.

About this subject

The Inverted Jenny (Scott C3a) is one of the most famous stamp errors in philately. Issued on May 10, 1918, by the United States Postal Service to commemorate the inauguration of airmail service, the 24-cent stamp featured a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, nicknamed the "Jenny." During printing, a sheet of 100 stamps was accidentally inverted, resulting in the airplane image being printed upside down. Only one sheet was discovered, and the stamps were sold to the public, becoming highly sought after.

The story of the Inverted Jenny begins with collector William T. Robey, who purchased the entire sheet at a post office in Washington D.C. on the day of issue. He paid face value of $24 and quickly sold the sheet for $15,000. Since then, individual stamps and blocks have been sold at auction, achieving record prices. In 2019, a block of four Inverted Jenny stamps sold for $2.97 million.

The rarity and value of the Inverted Jenny stem from its unique history and the small number of surviving examples. Only 100 stamps were produced, and many have been damaged over time. In 2013, an Inverted Jenny was used on a letter sent through the mail, sparking controversy over its authenticity. The stamp has become a cultural icon, appearing in films, books, and even a 2013 U.S. Postal Service commemorative series that intentionally recreated the error.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Inverted Jenny stamps exist?

Only 100 stamps were produced in the original sheet. Many have been damaged or lost, but some remain in collectors' hands and museums.

What is the value of an Inverted Jenny stamp?

Value depends on condition. A single stamp can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, and blocks of four have sold for nearly $3 million.

Why is it called the Inverted Jenny?

The name comes from the Curtiss JN-4 airplane, nicknamed the Jenny. Because the image was printed upside down, the stamp became known as the Inverted Jenny.