A splendid mint state “Inverted Jenny” stamp, the finest never hinged example of one of the world’s most famous collectibles, will be the centerpiece of Heritage Auction Galleries’ Signature Rare Stamps auction, Aug. 7, at the American Philatelic Society Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, PA.
“This is the first time this stamp has been on the market in 50 years,” said Harvey Bennett, Director of Philately at Heritage Auction Galleries, the firm conducting the auction. Bennett is also well-known in the stamp collecting world as the longtime head of Matthew Bennett International. “In all likelihood it won’t come on the market again for at least another 50.”
The 24c Carmine Rose & Blue, Center Inverted (C3a), or “The Inverted Jenny” as it’s known for the upside-down Jenny aircraft pictured on the stamp, is not only the most famous piece of philately in the world, it is easily one of the most famous collectibles on the planet, too. Its fame is equal to that of a Honus Wagner baseball card, or a Superman #1 Comic Book.
Only a single sheet of 100 Inverted Jenny stamps survived the initial mistaken printing and were bought for $24. When government officials demanded the stamps back, the original buyer wisely held his ground, and later sold the sheet of stamps, which were subsequently split apart and sold individually.
Inverted Jenny’s regularly sell for six figures when they appear, but the quality of the present example is unmatched. Collectors of all stripes and sizes will be keeping an eye on this stamp when it crosses the block later this week.
If you are interested in consigning to an upcoming Internet or Signature Rare Stamps Auction, call Harvey Bennett at 1-800-872-6467 x 1156, email [email protected]; or call Steve Crippe at (800) 872-6467, ext. 1777, or email [email protected].
Heritage Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales more than $700 million, and 450,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage’s auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.
