legendarypre-1900

Alexandria “Blue Boy” Postmaster Provisional

Name: Alexandria “Blue Boy” Postmaster Provisional
Brand: United States

United States · 1847 · 5 Cents

A rectangular stamp featuring 'ALEXANDRIA' at the top, 'POST OFFICE' in the center, and '5 CENTS' at the bottom, enclosed within a decorative border. This particular example is printed on distinctive blue paper.

This stamp is a rare postmaster provisional issued in Alexandria, Virginia, before the widespread availability of federal stamps in the United States. The 'Blue Boy' variant is unique, being the only known example printed on blue paper, making it one of the most famous and valuable stamps in philatelic history.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

postmaster-provisional local-post early-us-stamps unique-stamp blue-boy

Image: Anonymouse, 1847 · License: Public domain

View on Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$1,500,000+

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$1,000,000+

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$800,000+

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$500,000+

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$300,000+

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