5 most valuable stamps in the world

The Red Revenue block of four and the sheet of 25 5-candarin Large Dragon stamps are rare Chinese stamps of the Qing dynasty issued in 1897 during a shortage of regular stamps. They have a red overprint of the denomination on a dragon design. These stamps hold great philatelic value, and the block sold for $18.8 million in 2009. They rank among the extremely precious stamps that exist.

The rarest of stamp finds in the world would be the Mauritius 1red cover featuring the very first two stamps of Mauritius, issued in 1847. Infamous for an error in which they labeled these stamps as ‘Post Office’ instead of ‘Post Paid,’ it is known that this cover was sent from Mauritius to France and includes both stamps. This is one of the most expensive stamp items in the history books. It sold for an astounding $11.94 million in 2021.

Another immensely valuable stamp in the United States is the Z Grill. It was released in 1868 and carries the picture of Benjamin Franklin; however, its unique pattern does not allow its reuse. Only two stamps have come forward to this day, with one on public exhibition and the other obtaining an astonishing 2.97 million dollars in 2005.

One of the most famous error stamps is the inverted Jenny, issued by the United States in 1918. The stamp shows a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, but due to an engraver's error during printing, it emerges upside down. The block of four stamps comprises a unique inverted plate number. It sold for $2.7 million in 2005-the highest price paid for any U.S. stamp ever.

Another famous stamp is the British Guiana 1c magenta, printed in 1856 as a short-term release after regular stamps ran out. There is only one remaining copy of this one with a simple design of a ship on magenta paper. It has such a rich history that it has been owned by many of the world's most famous collectors. In 2021, it was sold for $8.3 million, making it the most valuable stamp by size and weight.

The value of stamps can vary widely, depending on a number of factors which include, rarity, historical significance, errors, supply and demand and trends across the globe. These trends are closely monitored by the collectors and that influences the price of these stamps.