Going Postal! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Switzerland (1845)

The Basel Dove, issued in 1845 by the Swiss Canton of Basel, was remarkable for being the first stamp printed in three colours. Its design featured a white embossed dove carrying a letter, symbolizing communication and peace, set against a background of black, crimson, and blue. Only about 41,000 copies were printed, and the stamp was valid until 1854.

Its artistic beauty and technical innovation make it one of the most admired classic stamps.

Answer: Canada (1929)

Canada's Bluenose stamp, issued in 1929, is celebrated for its striking design and cultural significance. It features the schooner Bluenose, a racing and fishing vessel that became a national symbol of maritime heritage. Printed in deep blue and valued at 50 cents, this stamp is considered one of Canada's most beautiful and admired issues, combining artistry with national pride.

Answer: Brazil (1843)

Brazil introduced the Bull's Eye stamps in 1843, becoming the second country to issue postage stamps. These stamps were distinctive for their large oval numerals printed in black on a white background, without any country name. Available in denominations of 30, 60, and 90 réis, they earned the nickname 'Bull's Eye' because the arrangement of stamps on sheets resembled the concentric circles of a target.

Answer: Italy (1961)

The Gronchi Rosa, issued by Italy in 1961, is a famous error stamp created for a presidential visit to South America. The design showed a map of Peru, but the borders were incorrect, leading to its rapid withdrawal and replacement. The original pink version became a rarity almost overnight, and its story of diplomatic embarrassment adds to its desirability among collectors.

Answer: Belgium (1920)

Belgium's Inverted Dendermonde, released in 1920, is another celebrated printing error. The stamp was designed to show the town of Dendermonde, but in the error variety, the central image is inverted relative to its frame. This mistake turned an ordinary issue into one of Belgium's most famous and valuable stamps, prized for its rarity and historical charm.

Answer: India (1854)

India's Inverted Head Four Annas, issued in 1854, is a classic example of a bicolor printing error. The stamp was meant to show Queen Victoria's portrait aligned with its frame, but in this rare variety, the head appears upside down. This mistake, combined with its age and scarcity, makes it one of the most sought-after stamps in Indian philately.

Answer: United States (1918)

Released in 1918 in the United States, the Inverted Jenny is perhaps the most famous stamp error in history. It depicts a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, but in this rare variety, the airplane appears upside down due to a printing mistake. Only one sheet of 100 stamps was discovered, making it extremely rare and highly prized. In a 2023 auction, a single Inverted Jenny sold for $2 million.

Answer: Great Britain (1840)

Issued in 1840 by Great Britain, the Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp. It featured a simple yet elegant profile of Queen Victoria printed in black ink. Valued at one penny, this stamp marked a major innovation in postal systems by introducing prepaid postage, making mail more accessible and efficient.

Its historical significance and iconic design have made it one of the most celebrated stamps in philatelic history.

Answer: China (1968)

Issued in China in 1968 during the Cultural Revolution, this stamp was intended to depict a map of China entirely in red, symbolizing communist unity. However, Taiwan was mistakenly left white, creating a politically sensitive error. The stamp was quickly withdrawn, and surviving copies are extremely rare, making it a fascinating artifact of history and propaganda.

Answer: Sweden (1857)

The Swedish Treskilling Yellow is famous for being a unique colour error and one of the most valuable stamps ever sold. Issued in 1857, it was intended to be printed in green, but a single example was mistakenly produced in yellow. This lone surviving copy has achieved legendary status in philately, fetching record-breaking prices at auction and symbolizing the allure of rare printing errors.

In 1996, the Treskilling Yellow sold for $2.3 million, and then was sold again in 2013 for an undisclosed amount... but reportedly *at least* for the previous sale amount.