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Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Icelandic Stamps

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Author: Emil Drkusic
Date: 16/10/2024

We’ve already explored the rarest stamps from many countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Israel, the Vatican, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, the USA, Monaco, the Falkland Islands, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Malta, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Today, we turn our attention to Iceland, where we’ll uncover the rarest and most valuable stamps this unique country has to offer.

The Postal History of Iceland

Iceland's history is deeply intertwined with the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. This connection began with the first settlement around 870, as Iceland was previously uninhabited. Some sources suggest there may have been earlier Norse settlements. Iceland was under Norwegian rule from 1262 to 1380 and then under Danish rule from 1380 until 1918. As a result, when Iceland’s postal system was introduced and the first stamps were issued, the country was still under Danish control.

3a on 5a green stamp / Prir Iceland Stamp

3a on 5a green stamp / Prir

Iceland – 1897/11/01

Denomination: 3 Icelandic eyrir

Estimated value: 23,000 USD (Spink, May, 2008)

“In 1776, King Christian VII of Denmark issued a decree that a postal system should be established in Iceland. Two years later regular postal sailings began in Iceland and Denmark; one trip a year. The first Icelandic stamps were issued in 1873, and by that time the postal system had been put under local administration and the first post offices had been established. In 1935, postal and telephone services were merged under one name, Póstur og sími.” - posturinn.is

40a lilac block of four Iceland Stamp

40a lilac block of four

Iceland – 1898

Denomination: 40 Icelandic eyrir

Estimated value: 26,000 USD (Cherrystone auction, June, 2006)

It’s worth noting the evolution of Icelandic currency from 1873, when the first stamps were issued, to today:

  • Danish rigsdaler (equivalent to 1.5 kroner, 6 marks, or 96 skilling)
  • 1874–1918: Danish krone
  • Icelandic króna (1 króna = 1 eyrir; plural: aurar) following the dissolution of the Scandinavian Monetary Union, which began with the start of World War I and ended in 1924
  • 1925–1939: Icelandic króna was pegged to the British pound
  • 1939–1949: Icelandic króna was pegged to the US dollar
  • 1981: Introduction of the second króna (ISK), valued at 100 old krónur (ISJ)
4s green stamp on cover Iceland Stamp

4s green stamp on cover

Iceland – 1874

Denomination: 4 Icelandic skilling

Estimated value: 31,815 USD (Postijonen auction, September, 2018)

Most Valuable Icelandic Stamp

The two most valuable Icelandic philatelic items are the stamp and a cover from the 1870s.

5 Aur Perforation Iceland Stamp

5 Aur Perforation

Iceland – 1876

Denomination: 5 Icelandic eyrir

Estimated value: 32,890 USD (Postijonen, September, 2018)

It is believed that only three specimens of the 5 Aur Perforation stamp exist, which explains its extremely high value.

3 Skilling on cover Iceland Stamp

3 Skilling on cover

Iceland – 1873

Denomination: 2+3+3 Icelandic eyrir

Estimated value: 91,000 USD (Cherrystone, June, 2006)

The most valuable philatelic item from Iceland is the 3 Skilling on cover. Only one such item is known to exist, and it has all the qualities needed to justify its high value. The stamp is both old and well-preserved, while the cover itself remains in good condition. This combination resulted in a value of 91,000 USD in 2006, and I estimate that its value today could exceed 100,000 USD.

If you’d like to learn more about rare and valuable Icelandic stamps, be sure to check out these two videos:

Today, we’ve explored some of the most valuable Icelandic stamps. Be sure to follow us for more articles in this series, coming soon. In the meantime, check out the previous articles to continue your philatelic journey.

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UK - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable UK Stamps

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New Zealand - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable New Zealand Stamps

USA - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable U.S. Stamps

Monaco - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Monaco Stamps

Falkland Islands - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Falkland Islands Stamps

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Austria - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Austrian Stamps

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Poland - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Polish Stamps

Liechtenstein - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Liechtenstein Stamps

Norway - Rarest Stamps: Most Valuable Norwegian Stamps

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