Stamp collecting has been a popular hobby since the 1850s. Because of this, you'll find stacks of stamps in stellar condition at estate sales, in thrift shops, and elsewhere. This is great, because the best side hustles involve digging around your existing inventory—or a nearby thrift shop—for valuable items to resell.
Keep your eyes peeled for the following stamps that could be worth a small fortune.
Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks
A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Sign up here to see how much you could earn.
US Benjamin Franklin Z-Grill
/images/2024/12/05/postage_stamps.jpg)
As the first U.S. postmaker general, Benjamin Franklin is featured on many stamps, with the most sought-after being the Z-Grill. This embossed pattern was rarely used, so the value is sky-high.
This one-cent stamp was issued in 1868, and there are only two around. In 2005, a stamp trade was issued for one of them worth $3 million, and a copy recently went for $4.4 million. Other letter grill stamps are available on eBay for a little less.
eBay Listing: US Scott 92 Used 1 cents "F" Grill Blue Franklin 1868 Lot T891, $492.80
Audrey Hepburn German Commemorative Stamp
/images/2024/12/05/philatelist_holds_the_postage_stamp.jpg)
This 2001 stamp features a flattering still of Audrey Hepburn's character from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." She is wearing a wide-brimmed hat and has a cigarette holder hanging from her mouth.
Since her family asked that the German stamp be removed from rotation, there aren't many copies. In 2021, one of these stamps was auctioned for $176,000. There are no original versions listed on eBay, but a pre-used reproduction is currently available for $160.
British Guiana
/images/2022/04/21/uk_stamps.jpg)
Known as the world's rarest stamp, the magenta British Guiana one-cent stamp is only known to have one copy in existence. This item was part of a short run in 1856 to fill in the gap of stamp deliveries from England to South America for the British Colony.
This stamp is in the shape of an octagon because of how it was cut from the sheet. It's currently kept in a vault in Philadelphia.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Tired of chasing coupon codes and comparing prices across tabs? Try Capital One Shopping — a free browser extension that scours the internet for coupons and flags better prices while you shop.
Add it today and you could stop overpaying!1 <p>Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.</p>
Red Revenue One Dollar Small
/images/2024/12/05/old_postage_stamps.jpg)
The Chinese Red Revenue One Dollar Small stamp was printed in 1897, and is one of the most valuable stamps in the world. The text on these stamps is considered illegible, so they were taken out of rotation to improve the print.
Around 30 of these stamps are known to still exist. The most expensive to have sold on its own went for $970,000 in Hong Kong in 2013.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
/images/2025/03/13/woman_with_shopping_between_store_shelf.jpg)
August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Inverted Pair Dr Sun Yat-sen
/images/2024/12/05/world_post_stamps.jpg)
Dr. Sun Yat Sen was a Chinese revolutionary who became the first President of the Republic of China. In 1941, an error was made in printing the $2 stamp with his face on it and one 50-stamp sheet printed his head upside down.
It's believed that only two pairs exist. In 2018, one pair of these stamps sold at an auction in Hong Kong for $707,000. While it's unlikely you'll find one, reproductions on eBay do exist.
Inverted Jenny
/images/2024/12/05/various_usa_postage_stamps.jpg)
The Inverted Jenny is a famous misprint stamp from 1918 that features the Jenny plane—or the Curtiss JN-4, used to carry mail across the United States—upside down. Only one sheet of 100 stamps was printed and sold before the error was noted and corrected.
Mystic Stamp Company has one listed for $280,000. In 2023, a 73-year old New York man purchased one of these rare stamps in near mint condition for $2 million.
2c George Washington Carmine vertical coil stamp
/images/2024/12/05/united_states_postage_stamps.jpg)
There are many red George Washington stamps printed at the beginning of the 20th century that will go for a pretty penny nowadays. Experts believe just five pairs of these carmine red 1908 stamps still exist.
In 2021, one pair of originals and two covers were sold at auction for an incredible $1,475,000. Uncertified replicas can also be sold on eBay for a chunk of change.
Black Empress
/images/2024/12/05/using_tweezers_above_the_stamp.jpg)
Canada's most rare stamp is the 1851 12d Black Empress, which depicts a beautiful woman looking off to the side, drenched in jewels. This stamp allowed people to send mail to Newfoundland, America, or the British West Indies.
51,000 were printed, and less than 150 are still around. The stamp is worth an estimated $547,464 adjusted for inflation since its $425,000 sale in 2011.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.2 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
/images/2023/12/04/couple_worry_about_savings.jpg)
Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
Bottom line
/images/2024/12/05/colorful_vintage_used_postage_stamps.jpg)
Like baseball cards, you often need a collection or a really old well-preserved stamp to make any significant money.
Besides stamps, there are lots of other collector items that can help you earn extra income outside of work with a little bit of research and a good eye.
- Over $55,000 paid to members daily
- Earn up to $130 a month taking 4 or more surveys daily
- $76 million paid out to date
- 20M+ lifetime members and BBB accreditation
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.