Alexandria 'Blue Boy' Postmaster's Provisional
United States · 1847 · 5¢
A circular blue stamp featuring 'ALEXANDRIA' and 'POST OFFICE' around the perimeter, with 'PAID' and '5 CENTS' in the center. It is affixed to a cover.
Issued by the Alexandria, Virginia postmaster in 1847, this provisional stamp predates the first general issue US stamps. The 'Blue Boy' is the sole known example printed on blue paper, making it one of the rarest and most valuable stamps in philately.
Printing Method
Typography
Catalog Numbers
Image: Processed by <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Agent001" title="User:Agent001">Agent001</a> · 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.
