[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Kelleher Auctions Will Display Five Inverted Jenny Stamps at Boston 2026 World Expo
Insured for $20 million, the unprecedented exhibit also includes Columbian Exposition panes 1 cent to $2, Graf Zeppelin panes 65 cents to $2.60, a Custer’s Last Stand-related cover, and a Post Office Act document signed by Thomas Jefferson

Five of the legendary, century-old Inverted Jenny misprinted U.S. postage stamps will be publicly displayed together by Kelleher Auctions (www.KelleherAuctions.com) in a $20 million exhibit of historic stamps and other renowned philatelic rarities and collectibles at the Boston 2026 World Expo. The display will be at Super Booth #300 in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, May 23-30, 2026.

“The 1918 Inverted Jenny printing error depicting an eye-catching, upside-down World War One-era airplane is one of the most famous of all philatelic errors,” stated David Coogle, Co-Chairman of Kelleher Auctions. “This unique display will help attract visitors to philately and our private treaty consignments and sales of other collectibles.”

The Danbury, Connecticut-based company, founded in 1885 in Boston as a stamp auction company, has expanded its offerings over the years to include rare coins and bank notes, sports collectibles, and other historic memorabilia.

The five, 24-cent denomination Inverted Jenny (C3a) stamps in the Boston exhibit are:

• Position 6, o.g. Intense colors and proof-quality impressions, centered to right and with full guideline at left; reperforated at top and with tiny thinning at bottom, light gum crease not mentioned on accompanying certificates, lovely Fine appearance. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green and Steven C. Markoff (A-Mark Financial Corporation), with 1995 and 2010 P.F. certificates.
• Position 11, o.g. Previously hinged, intense colors and proof quality impressions, centered to bottom left; some wrinkling and a small thin spot at bottom right, Fine appearance and very pretty. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Steinmetz, Burdsall, and Bassey, with 1973 (photocopy) and 2020 P.F. certificates.
• Position 28. Very fresh and very lightly hinged o.g., gorgeous colors and highly detailed impressions, centered to bottom right, completely sound, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Ewing, Perez, Harris (?), Kistner, Milton and Don David Price (father and son), with 1951 (photocopy) and 2016 P.F. certificates; accompanied by Milton Price’s auction lot sheet and 11/29/1950 auction invoice from Harmer, Rooke & Co. (paid $2,600).
• Position 60. Very fresh and very lightly hinged o.g., bright fresh colors and strong impressions, centered to right with natural straight edge, completely sound, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, A.T. Seymour & H. Frederick Johnston (name on 1973 cert), with 1973 P.F. certificate.
• Position 76. Part o.g.; reperforated at top and left and tiny thin spot, Fine. Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green, Hind and McCoy, with 2016 A.P.S. and P.F. certificates.

The Kelleher Auctions exhibit will also feature complete panes of Columbian Exposition (230-242), from one-cent to $2, including the only known 50-cent pane with bottom selvage.

“This is by far the largest known multiple of the first American commemorative series issued January 2, 1893. It is an awesome rarity of the highest order that no one knew existed until November 2016. Only 455 sheets of 100 were printed,” explained Coogle.

There will also be a set of three, full panes of the 65-cent, $1.30, and $2.60 Graf Zeppelin 1930 airmail stamps (C13-C15). Another major philatelic rarity in the exhibit is the discovery example of the 1854 Hamilton, Bermuda Postmaster’s stamp (Perot) 1d red on blush wove.

“It is one of only two 1854 Provisionals known and the only one in private hands, and pedigreed to Ferrary, Burrus, Tomasini, Kapiloff, and others,” explained Coogle. “It is also the finest of the 11 record examples of Perot’s First Issue Provisionals.”

Kelleher Auctions will display a letter written in 1876 addressed to a soldier killed at Custer’s Last Stand, and returned to the sender with the notation, “Killed In Battle/on Little Big Horn River/June 25th 76.”

Another historic item in the exhibit is a 1790 document signed by then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson extending a temporary Congressional act establishing the post office (below).

The Boston 2026 World Expo at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center, 415 Summer Street, will be open to the public with free admission on Saturday, May 23, to Friday, May 29, from 10 a to 6 pm, and on Saturday, May 30, from 10 am to 3 pm.

For additional information about Kelleher Auctions and the exhibit, visit www.KelleherAuctions.com, email info@KelleherAuctions.com, or call 203-830-2500.