John Wesley Powell 1869 Expedition Stamp Value Guide

This 1969 commemorative stamp honors the centennial of John Wesley Powell's historic 1,000-mile geographic expedition through the Grand Canyon. It is highly collectible for its detailed artwork depicting the one-armed Civil War veteran and his crew navigating the Colorado River in wooden boats.

What Is John Wesley Powell 1869 Expedition Stamp Worth?

The typical price range for John Wesley Powell 1869 Expedition Stamp is $0 - $0 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the gum, with 'Mint Never Hinged' (MNH) examples commanding the full $0.25 value.
• Centering of the design within the perforated margins, which significantly impacts philatelic grade.
• Presence of a clean, light cancellation mark for used examples versus heavy, obscuring ink.
• Overall preservation, including the absence of foxing, creases, or torn perforations.

How to Identify John Wesley Powell 1869 Expedition Stamp?

• Verify the 6-cent denomination and the 'U.S. Postage' text located on the right side.
• Look for the specific 1969 issue date and the 'John Wesley Powell' name printed at the bottom.
• Check for the distinct illustration of explorers in small boats amidst turbulent river rapids.
• Ensure the stamp features the original multi-colored ink design on standard postage paper.

History of John Wesley Powell 1869 Expedition Stamp

Issued in 1969, this stamp commemorates the 100th anniversary of John Wesley Powell's daring geographic expedition through the Grand Canyon. Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, led a group of nine men in four small wooden boats to map the last unexplored portion of the American West. The artwork depicts the explorers navigating the turbulent waters of the Colorado River.