5. British Guiana 1 cent magenta stamp of 1856
Manufacturer: British Guiana
original price: 1c*
Worth today: US$ 9.5 million*
Discovered in a cellar in 1873 by a Scottish student amongst his uncle's stamp collection, it passed through several hands before reaching Arthur Hind in 1922, who reportedly stamped three kings for the price of $ 36,000. Since then, its value has increased substantially, causing stamp collectors around the world to dust off their old stamps and appraise them.
The incredibly rare British Guiana (present-day Guyana) 1c stamp was issued in 1856 and is the only known stamp in existence today. On each of the four times it sold, it broke the record for the highest amount paid for a single stamp. The latest sale was a staggering $ 9.5 million to shoe designer Stuart Weizman.
It can be difficult for some of us to understand why stamps are so collected, but it has been one of the largest market niches for decades. Stamp collectors are willing to pay a lot to get their hands on something rare and unique.