On November 15, 2023, a historic transaction in the stamp collecting world was witnessed when the famous 1918 “Inverted Jenny” postage stamp was sold for a monumental $2 million.

This event took place at a prestigious auction, where Charles Hack, a 76-year-old from New York and a veteran in the realm of philately, secured this rare item¹. This sale set a new benchmark in the value of collectible stamps, highlighting the “Inverted Jenny” as one of the most coveted stamps in history.

The “Inverted Jenny” owes its fame to a printing error when it was issued in 1918. Originally, the stamp was designed to feature the “Jenny” Curtiss biplane in an upright position, symbolizing its role in the inaugural government airmail service.

However, during the production rush, a sheet of these stamps was printed with the biplane erroneously inverted.

The error likely occurred when an inverted carmine frame sheet was fed into the press incorrectly for a second impression, or when the plate printer misplaced an inverted blue vignette plate.

This printing mishap led to the rarity of the “Inverted Jenny,” as only one sheet of 100 inverted stamps was sold before the error was recognized. These stamps have since become treasured possessions in the philatelic community. Hack, who has been passionate about stamp collecting since his youth, had previously acquired another Inverted Jenny for approximately $300,000 in the early 2000s.

The 2023 auction placed such a high value on this particular “Inverted Jenny” because of its grade. It’s believed to be the most pristine and well centered example. in existence. In other words, it doesn’t get better than this. High graded stamps can fetch many multiples of value.

The auction attracted a diverse range of collectors and enthusiasts, indicating the vibrant and enduring appeal of stamp collecting. It also underscored the significance of historical errors in postage stamps, which often become the centerpieces of notable collections.

Furthermore, the “Inverted Jenny” has transcended the boundaries of philately, becoming a part of popular culture. It has been referenced in various media, including a notable appearance in an episode of the animated television show “The Simpsons,” where its value and rarity were humorously highlighted.

The stamp’s iconic status is such that the National Postal Museum has created replicas to commemorate its place in U.S. mail history, with original Jennys displayed in the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery, the largest stamp gallery in the world.

This extraordinary sale not only marks a significant moment for Charles Hack but also for the philatelic community at large, celebrating the enduring allure and historical significance of rare postage stamps like the “Inverted Jenny”

1. Why a single ‘Inverted Jenny’ stamp sold for $2 million at auction ↩︎