Current Market Value: $3 million

Z Grill Value Guide

Complete price guide for the Z Grill - America's Rarest Stamp (1868). Current market value, investment potential, and expert identification tips for this extremely rare United States treasure.

$3 million

Current Value

1868

Year Issued

Extremely Rare

Rarity Level

Excellent

Investment Grade

Last updated: February 2, 2026

What Is the Z Grill and Why Is It Valuable?

The Z Grill is a extremely rare stamp issued by United States in 1868, currently valued at $3 million. Its value stems from its historical significance, extreme rarity, and sustained collector demand worldwide.

The Z Grill - America's Rarest Stamp is one of the most extremely rare and valuable stamps in philatelic history. Issued by United States in 1868, this remarkable stamp has achieved legendary status among collectors worldwide, with a current market value of $3 million.

The Z Grill is considered the rarest of all United States stamps, with only two examples known to exist. This 1¢ Benjamin Franklin stamp features a distinctive 'Z' grill pattern.

The historical significance and extreme rarity of the Z Grill make it a cornerstone piece for serious collectors. Its excellent investment potential reflects both its cultural importance and the sustained demand from collectors and investors worldwide.

How Much Is the Z Grill Worth Today?

The Z Grill is worth $3 million on average. Poor condition specimens sell for around N/A - Only two known, while mint condition examples can fetch N/A - None exist. Values depend on condition, provenance, and certification.

Poor Condition

N/A - Only two known

Damaged/Heavily Used

Fine Condition

N/A - Only two known

Good/Average Quality

Mint Condition

N/A - None exist

Perfect/Never Hinged

Market values for the Z Grill vary significantly based on condition, provenance, and certification. The premium for mint never-hinged examples reflects the extreme rarity of specimens that have survived in perfect condition since 1868.

Recent auction results show stable trends, with With only two examples, sales are rare events that set records when they occur.. Professional certification from recognized grading services is essential for stamps valued above $10,000.

Is the Z Grill a Good Investment?

The Z Grill has excellent investment potential with a value likely to appreciate significantly given extreme rarity and american provenance. market outlook. Key investment factors include: Only two examples known to exist and American philatelic royalty.

Investment Grade: Excellent

Based on historical performance and market demand

The Z Grill represents excellent investment potential within the philatelic market. Last public sale in 1998 for $935,000, current estimates exceed $3 million. The market outlook for this stamp is value likely to appreciate significantly given extreme rarity and american provenance..

Key factors supporting the investment case include: Only two examples known to exist, American philatelic royalty, Historical grill experiment, Museum-quality rarity, Investment grade collectible. However, investors should be aware that the philatelic market can be illiquid, and values may fluctuate based on collector sentiment and economic conditions.

Investment Disclaimer: Stamp collecting should be approached primarily as a hobby. While certain stamps have shown strong historical appreciation, past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with philatelic experts before making significant investments.

How Do I Identify an Authentic Z Grill?

Authentic Z Grill specimens feature specific characteristics including benjamin franklin portrait. Professional authentication is essential for stamps of this value.

Benjamin Franklin portrait

Z-pattern grill (11x14 mm)

Raised embossed points

Extremely rare - only 2 known

Expert certification essential

Authenticating the Z Grill requires expert knowledge and careful examination of multiple factors. Given its extreme value, professional authentication is absolutely essential before any purchase or sale.

Modern technology like StampSnap's recognition app can provide initial identification assistance, but for stamps of this caliber, consultation with certified philatelic experts and professional grading services is strongly recommended.

What Is the History of the Z Grill?

The Z Grill was issued in 1868 by United States and has become one of the most sought-after stamps in philatelic history. Its historical significance and rarity make it a cornerstone piece for serious collectors.

The Z Grill holds a unique place in postal history. In 1868, the U.S. Post Office experimented with embossing stamps with grills to prevent reuse. The Z Grill was a short-lived experiment, and almost all were destroyed. Only two examples survived, making it America's rarest stamp.Its creation in 1868 makes it not just a collectible item but a genuine historical artifact.

The circumstances surrounding its issue have become legendary in philatelic circles. This combination of rarity, historical importance, and compelling backstory contributes significantly to its exceptional market value.

Today, the Z Grill is recognized not only by stamp collectors but also by museums and cultural institutions as an important artifact of United States's postal and cultural heritage.