In the vast and eclectic world of stamp collecting, certain specimens stand out as shining examples of philatelic excellence. These stamps, revered by collectors worldwide, possess a combination of rarity, historical significance, and artistic merit that elevates them to the upper echelons of philately. Let’s take a journey through some of the best stamps ever issued, each a masterpiece in its own right.
The Penny Black: A Trailblazer in Philatelic History
No discussion of iconic stamps would be complete without mentioning the Penny Black. Issued by Great Britain in 1840, the Penny Black holds the distinction of being the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. Featuring the profile of Queen Victoria and adorned with elegant scrollwork, the Penny Black revolutionized the postal system, laying the foundation for modern mail delivery.
Despite its ubiquity at the time of issue, the Penny Black is now a prized collectible due to its historical significance and scarcity. While millions were printed during its brief tenure as Britain’s postage stamp, relatively few pristine examples have survived to this day, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The Mauritius “Post Office” Stamps: Gems of Colonial Philately
In the annals of philatelic history, few stamps command as much reverence and admiration as the Mauritius “Post Office” stamps. Issued in 1847 on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, these stamps are celebrated for their rarity, unique design, and intriguing backstory.
The Mauritius “Post Office” stamps, featuring the words “Post Office” rather than “Post Paid” as intended, were the result of a printing error. Only 27 known examples of the one-penny and two-penny stamps were produced before the error was corrected, making them among the most coveted treasures in the world of stamp collecting.
The Inverted Jenny: A Quirk of Fate
One of the most famous errors in philatelic history, the Inverted Jenny, is a testament to the whims of chance and the allure of the unexpected. Issued by the United States in 1918 to commemorate the first transcontinental airmail service, the Inverted Jenny features a biplane flying upside down—a result of a printing error in which the plane was mistakenly printed inverted.
Only 100 sheets of 100 stamps each were produced with the error, making the Inverted Jenny one of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world. Today, examples of the Inverted Jenny are highly prized by collectors and can fetch millions of dollars at auction.
The Treskilling Yellow: A Swedish Enigma
Rounding out our list of the best stamps is the Treskilling Yellow, a Swedish rarity that has captivated collectors for generations. Issued in 1855, the Treskilling Yellow is a three-skilling banco stamp intended for domestic postage. However, due to a printing error, a small number of stamps were printed in yellow instead of the intended greenish-blue color.
With only one known example in existence, the Treskilling Yellow is one of the most valuable stamps in the world, fetching astronomical prices whenever it appears on the market. Its mysterious history and unparalleled rarity have cemented its status as a legendary philatelic treasure.
In Conclusion
While the world of stamp collecting is vast and diverse, certain stamps rise above the rest to claim their place as the best of the best. These stamps represent the pinnacle of philatelic achievement and continue to captivate collectors with their enduring allure, whether due to their historical significance, artistic merit, or sheer rarity. Whether you’re a seasoned philatelist or a curious newcomer, exploring the stories behind these remarkable stamps offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of stamp collecting.