U.S. Z Grill Stamps: Among the Rarest in American Philately
The U.S. Z Grill Stamps, specifically the 1868 1¢ Z Grill (Scott 85A), are considered the rarest stamps in America. With only two known examples in existence, these stamps hold a special place in the world of philately. The Z Grill pattern, introduced by Charles F. Steele in the late 1860s, features a unique embossed grill pattern that sets it apart from other stamps of its time. This horizontal-oriented pattern was used to prevent stamp reuse, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Key Takeaways:
- U.S. Z Grill Stamps, such as the 1868 1¢ Z Grill, are extremely rare and highly valued in the field of American philately.
- The Z Grill pattern, characterized by its horizontal orientation and unique embossed grill pattern, was designed to prevent stamp reuse.
- Only two known examples of the 1868 1¢ Z Grill exist, with one in private hands and valued at $3 million.
- Mystic Stamp Company holds the record for purchasing the 1868 1¢ Z Grill in 1998 for a whopping $935,000.
- The rarity and historical significance of these stamps make them a coveted addition to any collection.
The Benjamin Franklin Z Grill: A Rare and Valuable Stamp
The Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, also known as the Z-Grill, is a 1-cent postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service in February 1868. Featuring Benjamin Franklin, this stamp stands out with its unique “Z” grill pattern, which creates tiny indentations in the paper.
The 1-cent Franklin Z-Grill is considered one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. postage stamps, alongside the 15-cent Lincoln Z-Grill and the 10-cent Washington Z-Grill. Only two examples of the 1-cent Z-Grill are known to exist, with one currently in the possession of the New York Public Library. This rare stamp was originally sold to Mystic Stamp Company in 1998 for $935,000.
The Benjamin Franklin Z Grill stamp gained significant recognition when it was later traded for a block of four Inverted Jenny stamps worth nearly $3 million. This remarkable stamp carries immense value and remains highly sought after by collectors around the world.
The New Amsterdam Collection: A Stamp Collection of Remarkable Value
The New Amsterdam Collection is a truly remarkable stamp collection that recently sold for close to $7 million at auction. This valuable collection, which was formed over fifty years ago, aimed to complete spaces in a Scott National Postage Album and featured stamps primarily acquired from the renowned Dumont Stamp Company in Manhattan.
The auction of the New Amsterdam Collection was an exciting event, with 220 lots going under the hammer. The bidding process took nearly four hours, and there was intense competition for the top items. The highlight of the auction was the 1867 “Z” Grills, including the 10-cent green (Washington) and the 15-cent gray black (Lincoln), both of which achieved record-breaking prices. The 10-cent green sold for an impressive $1,150,000, while the 15-cent gray black fetched an astounding $1,610,000. These prices set new records for single United States stamps sold at auction, highlighting the exceptional value and desirability of the New Amsterdam Collection.
The New Amsterdam Collection represents a significant investment in the world of stamp collecting. Its recent auction success demonstrates the remarkable value and prestigious status that this collection holds among stamp enthusiasts and collectors.
The History and Significance of Stamp Grilling
Stamp grilling, introduced by Charles F. Steele in the late 1860s, revolutionized early U.S. stamps by embossing intricate grill patterns into them. This process aimed to improve the absorption of canceling ink into the stamp paper, preventing their reuse through cancellation mark washing. One notable grill pattern, the Z Grill, featured unique horizontal ridges and was just one of several designs used during this period. However, grilling gradually fell out of favor due to practical limitations and was discontinued after 1870.
Stamp grilling’s historical significance lies in its role in the evolution of stamp security measures. By rendering stamp reuse more difficult, grilling contributed to the development of a more robust and secure postage system. The classification system for grills, developed by William L. Stevenson in the early 1900s, still provides a useful framework for categorizing and studying these stamps today.
Stamp grilling marks an important chapter in philatelic history, illuminating the ingenuity and inventive spirit of the early collectors and postal authorities. The introduction of grilling as a means to prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the postal service showcases the ongoing efforts to improve and refine the stamp production process.
Stamp grilling played a significant role in the development of stamp production and security. Its historical importance and the distinctive Z Grill pattern have made it a subject of fascination and intrigue for collectors and researchers alike.
The Rarity and Value of Z Grill Stamps
Z Grill Stamps, including the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, are highly rare and valuable due to their limited production and historical significance. The 1-cent Franklin Z Grill is often cited as the rarest and most valuable of all U.S. postage stamps, with only two known examples in existence. The 10-cent Washington Z Grill and the 15-cent Lincoln Z Grill are also considered extremely rare, with only two known examples each. These stamps are highly coveted by collectors and have fetched millions of dollars at auction.
The rarity and value of Z Grill Stamps make them a pinnacle in American philately.
Z Grill Stamps, such as the 1-cent Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, are highly sought after due to their historical significance and limited availability. These stamps are considered some of the rarest and most valuable in American philately, attracting collectors from around the world. The limited production of Z Grill Stamps, with only two known examples of each denomination, adds to their appeal and rarity.
At auction, Z Grill Stamps have fetched astronomical prices, with the 1-cent Franklin Z Grill selling for millions of dollars. The 10-cent Washington Z Grill and the 15-cent Lincoln Z Grill have also realized significant prices, further solidifying their status as highly sought-after collectibles. Collectors value Z Grill Stamps not only for their rarity but also for their historical importance and the prestige they bring to a stamp collection.
The value and scarcity of Z Grill Stamps make them true treasures in the world of philately. Their historical significance and limited availability contribute to their desirability, and collectors are willing to pay top dollar to add these stamps to their collections. As a result, Z Grill Stamps continue to captivate the imagination of stamp enthusiasts and remain at the forefront of American philately.
The Impact of the Z Grill Stamp Trade
In 2005, Mystic Stamp Company made headlines in the stamp market with a groundbreaking trade involving their 1868 1¢ Z Grill stamp. They exchanged it for the unique 1918 Jenny Invert Plate-Number Block, renowned as “America’s Greatest Stamp Rarity.” This remarkable one-for-one trade garnered widespread attention, generating international headlines and sparking a renewed interest in the stamp collecting hobby.
The Z Grill stamp had been prominently featured in Mystic’s advertising and stamp show displays for several years, making it a well-known ambassador for collectors. The trade exemplified the immense value and significance of rare stamps in the stamp market, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and experts alike.
This high-profile trade showcased the ability of rare stamps, such as the Z Grill, to capture the imagination and fascination of collectors worldwide. It further solidified the Z Grill’s position as a highly sought-after item in the stamp market, elevating its status to the realm of legendary and iconic stamps.
The Characteristics of Z Grill Stamps
Z Grill Stamps, such as the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, are known for their unique grill pattern. Unlike other grills, the Z Grill features horizontal ridges incised into the stamp paper, rather than vertical ones. The Z Grill pattern measures approximately 11 millimeters by 14 millimeters, with 13 to 14 by 17 to 18 points. While there may be slight variations in the number of points vertically and horizontally, the Z Grill is always clearly struck and typically features 18 points in height. These distinct characteristics contribute to the desirability and appeal of Z Grill Stamps among collectors.
The Rarity of Other Grills and Noteworthy Results
While the Z Grill stamps, particularly the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, are the most famous and valuable, other grills are also rare and sought after. For example, the 3-cent “B” Grill and the 30-cent “A” Grill have realized significant prices at auction, with the former selling for $661,250 and the latter for $172,500.
Other notable results include the sale of an 1869 30-cent Pictorial with Inverted flags for $287,500 and a 24-cent Inverted Jenny for $402,500. These stamps showcase the rarity and desirability of grills in the stamp collecting community.
The Stamp Numbering System and Catalog Listings
The stamp numbering system used by the Scott Catalogue provides a standardized way to identify and catalog stamps. In this system, the 1¢ Z Grill is listed as #85A. What makes this stamp unique is that it does not have a distinct number and shares its numeral (85) with stamps of different denominations. This anomaly is a result of the fact that the Scott Catalogue was created before the Z Grill pattern gained recognition as a separate variety of grill.
Following the Z Grill, the D Grill is listed as #85, and subsequent stamps were assigned letter designations to accommodate the Z Grill denominations. This numbering system allows collectors to accurately identify and catalog Z Grill stamps, ensuring a standardized and organized approach to stamp collecting.
Conclusion
U.S. Z Grill Stamps, including the Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, are highly sought after among collectors and are considered among the rarest and most valuable stamps in American philately. The limited production, unique grill pattern, and historical significance of these stamps contribute to their desirability and allure.
The trade of the 1868 1¢ Z Grill for the 1918 Jenny Invert Plate-Number Block made headlines in the stamp market and underscored the immense value of rare stamps. This transaction highlighted the importance of rare stamps in the collecting community and brought attention to their significant market worth.
The rarity and value of Z Grill Stamps firmly establish them as a pinnacle in American philately. Their scarcity and historical importance make them a must-have for serious collectors, solidifying their place as prized possessions in the world of stamp collecting.
