Alexandria “Blue Boy” Postmaster Provisional
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
Image: Anonymouse, 1847 · License: Public domain
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
