International Women’s Day is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. One fascinating way nations have commemorated influential women is through postage stamps. Some of these stamps have not only celebrated historical figures but have also become valuable collector’s items. Here are five of the most famous and expensive stamps featuring women, each with a rich history and significant numismatic worth.
1. Queen Victoria’s "Penny Black" (United Kingdom, 1840)
UK, 1840, Penny Black stamp (Scott #1). It is the world’s first adhesive postage stamp featuring the profile of Queen Victoria, who was just 21 years old at the time. This iconic stamp revolutionized the postal system, making communication more efficient and affordable. Despite its historical significance, the stamp had a short lifespan, as its black ink made it difficult to cancel, leading to the introduction of the Penny Red in 1841. The Penny Black remains a prized possession among philatelists, with mint-condition examples fetching significant sums at auctions.
2. Isabella of Castile $4 Stamp (United States, 1893)
USA, 1893, Isabella and Columbus $4 stamp, Crimson (Scott #244). Part of the famous Columbian Exposition Issue of 1893, the $4 Isabella of Castile stamp honors Queen Isabella I of Spain, the monarch who financed Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World. This striking stamp was the first U.S. postage stamp to feature a woman and showcases Isabella’s pivotal role in history. Due to its high denomination at the time, very few were purchased, making it exceptionally rare today.
3. Audrey Hepburn "Cigarette" Stamp (Germany, 2001 - Withdrawn Issue)
Germany, 2001, In 2001, Audrey Hepburn "Cigarette" 110 Pfennig stamp. Germany planned to release a commemorative stamp featuring legendary actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn. However, the design, which depicted her with a cigarette holder, was rejected by her family, leading to the destruction of nearly all printed copies. Only a handful of stamps escaped destruction, making them one of the rarest modern philatelic treasures. A rare sheet of 10 stamps depicting Audrey Hepburn fetched 430,000 euros at a сharity auction in Berlin in October 2010.
4. Mother Teresa Commemorative Stamp
USA, 2010, Mother Teresa 44-cent stamp. Issued by the U.S. Postal Service, this stamp honored Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian known for her lifelong work with the poor and sick. The design features a portrait of her in her iconic white and blue sari, reflecting her devotion to charity and service.
Though the stamp was widely released, controversy arose when some religious groups objected to the government honoring a figure associated with a religious organization. This controversy increased interest in the stamp among collectors.
5. Marilyn Monroe “Legends of Hollywood” Stamp (USA, 1995)
USA, 1995, Marilyn Monroe 32-cent stamp. As part of the “Legends of Hollywood” series, this stamp celebrated Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic actresses of the 20th century. Known for her beauty, charm, and talent, Monroe’s image remains one of the most recognizable in pop culture.
The stamp was immensely popular, selling millions of copies, but special error prints and limited editions have become valuable collector’s items. Some misprinted versions, such as those missing perforations or missing colors are hunted by collectors.
If you want to learn more about famous women on stamps, we recommend that you read our profound article "USA: Stamps with famous women".
