Inverted jenny rare

The Inverted Jenny, issued in 1918, is one of the world's most famous stamp errors, worth millions of dollars.

About this subject

The Inverted Jenny, also called the "Jenny upside down," is one of the most coveted items in world philately. It is a printing error in the 1918 US commemorative issue marking the start of air mail service. The 24-cent stamp depicts a Curtiss JN-4 biplane (nicknamed Jenny), but on some sheets the plane was printed upside down due to improper paper feeding on the press. Only one pane of 100 inverted stamps was discovered, bought on release day in Washington D.C. Today, fewer than 100 copies are believed to exist, many preserved in collections and museums.

The story began when William T. Robey, a stockbroker, purchased a full sheet at a post office. Realizing the error, he tried to buy more but postal workers had already noticed. Robey sold the block for $15,000, a huge sum then. Today a single stamp can fetch hundreds of thousands; the full block sold for over $1.3 million in 2005. The stamp is so famous it has inspired reproductions and similar issues in other countries.

The rarity of the Inverted Jenny goes beyond the error. It symbolizes the dawn of commercial aviation and air mail, a 20th-century technological milestone. Philatelists value not only its scarcity but also its romantic story of accidental discovery and legendary trades. The stamp is frequently displayed at stamp exhibitions and ranks among the world's most valuable stamps, alongside the British Guiana 1c Magenta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Inverted Jenny stamp?

The stamp was issued in 1918 by the United States to commemorate air mail service. Due to a printing error, the image of the Curtiss JN-4 airplane was printed upside down on one sheet of 100 stamps.

How many Inverted Jenny stamps exist today?

Fewer than 100 original copies are believed to survive, mostly in private collections and museums. The original pane of 100 was broken up over the years.

How much is an Inverted Jenny stamp worth?

A single stamp can be worth between $150,000 and $500,000 depending on condition. The full block sold for over $1.3 million at auction in 2005.