Inverted jenny rare

The Inverted Jenny, a 1918 printing error, is one of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world, with only 100 known copies.

About this subject

The Inverted Jenny stamp, also known as the Jenny Invert, is a legendary piece in world philately. Issued on May 10, 1918 by the United States Postal Service, it depicts a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" biplane in flight. What makes this stamp extraordinary is a printing error: the image of the airplane appears upside down in the center, while the frame remains correctly oriented.

The story begins when the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced the first sheets of the 24-cent stamp for the airmail service. During two-color printing, one of the stages was accidentally inverted, resulting in a sheet with the plane reversed. Only 100 stamps were sold before the error was discovered, all from the same sheet purchased by collector William T. Robey. Since then, the Inverted Jenny has become a coveted item for philatelists and investors.

The stamp's rarity is extreme. Of the original 100 copies, many have been damaged or preserved in varying conditions. At auction, a single stamp can fetch millions of dollars. In 2018, a block of four Inverted Jenny stamps sold for 4.8 million dollars. The stamp has also inspired replicas and tributes, including a 2013 commemorative issue that deliberately recreated the error.

Beyond its financial value, the Inverted Jenny carries cultural significance as a symbol of early aviation and philately. It represents the intersection of human error and accidental beauty, being one of the most famous printing errors in history. Its inverted image has become an icon recognized even outside the circle of stamp collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Inverted Jenny error occur?

The error happened during two-color printing of the 24-cent airmail stamp in 1918. The printing plate for the airplane was mounted upside down, resulting in a sheet with the image inverted. Only 100 stamps were sold before discovery.

What is the current value of an Inverted Jenny stamp?

Value varies by condition. A single stamp can be worth between $100,000 and $1.5 million. Blocks of four have sold for over $4 million at auction.

Has the Inverted Jenny been officially reissued?

Yes, in 2013 the US Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp that intentionally reproduced the Inverted Jenny error, but with the correct image. This reissue sold for $2 and honors the original mistake.