United States 1869 Pictorial Issue 15c Landing of Columbus Inverted Center

United States · 1869 · 15 cents

This stamp features a central vignette depicting Christopher Columbus's landing in the New World, surrounded by an ornate frame. This particular variety is famous for its inverted central image, a significant and highly sought-after printing error.

The 1869 Pictorial Issue was the first U.S. stamp set to feature pictorial designs rather than portraits, marking a radical departure from previous issues. The 15-cent inverted center variety is one of the most iconic and valuable errors in philately, representing a pinnacle of rarity.