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.