United States C3 'Inverted Jenny' Airmail Stamp

Name: United States C3 'Inverted Jenny' Airmail Stamp
Brand: United States

United States · 1918 · 24 Cents

This iconic stamp was issued to inaugurate the first regular airmail service in the United States. The design features a blue Curtiss JN-4 'Jenny' biplane, which was printed inverted relative to the carmine rose frame on a single sheet of 100 stamps. This printing error created one of the most famous and valuable rarities in all of philately.

Issued on May 13, 1918, for the new airmail route between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, this stamp represents a pivotal moment in the development of aviation and postal services.

Printing Method

Engraved

Themes

airmail aviation biplane error inverted-center

Catalog Numbers

scottC3a

Image: · License:

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$2,000,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,500,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$950,000

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$500,000

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$250,000

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.