North America Postage Stamps

North American postage stamps encompass the rich philatelic histories of the United States, Canada, British North America, and the Caribbean. The region has 327+ cataloged stamp issues available for collectors.

United States Postage Stamps
Aspect Details
First Issue July 1, 1847: 5¢ Benjamin Franklin and 10¢ George Washington
Key Features Initially imperforate, hand-engraved; adhesive stamps became mandatory in 1855
Modern Features Self-adhesive “Forever” stamps (valid regardless of price increases)
Current Rate Forever stamps at 78¢ (as of 2026)
Catalog 1847–2026: Thousands of definitive and commemorative issues
Most Valuable U.S. Stamps
Rank Stamp Value Key Fact
1 1-Cent Z Grill (1868) Up to $3 million Only 2 known examples; “Z” grill embossing
2 Alexandria “Blue Boy” (1846) Up to $1 million Single known copy; only blue postmaster provisional
3 Inverted Jenny (1918) Up to $1.7 million 24¢ airmail with biplane printed upside-down; 100 printed
4 Benjamin Franklin 1¢ (1851) ~$935,000 Earliest U.S. stamp; Franklin was first Postmaster General
5 Hawaiian Missionaries (1851) Up to $600,000 Kingdom of Hawaii before U.S. annexation
Canadian Postage Stamps
First Issue: April 1, 1851 (before Confederation on July 1, 1867)

Classic Features: Early stamps feature Queen Elizabeth II and notable historical events

Provincial Issues: Pre-Confederation provinces had distinct issues (Newfoundland particularly rare and sought-after)

Themes: Diverse natural landscapes, historical figures, and artistic designs

British North America & Caribbean
BNA Regions: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, each with unique stamp issues

Rare Examples: Bermuda’s 1848 circular stamps (among the world’s rarest)

Themes: Natural landscapes, historical figures, local culture