Eugene Klein (philatelist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Klein
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| Born | June 26, 1878 |
| Died | April 30, 1944 (aged 65) |
| Nationality | USA |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Engineering career | |
| Institutions | American Philatelic Society |
| Projects | Dealer who was lucky enough to buy the sheet of 24-cent inverted airmail stamps |
| Awards | APS Hall of Fame |
Eugene Klein (born June 26, 1878 – died April 30, 1944) was a famous person from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was known around the world for his love of stamp collecting. Eugene Klein was a stamp dealer, meaning he bought and sold stamps. He also worked as an auctioneer, selling things at public auctions. He even led the American Philatelic Society, a big group for stamp collectors, as its President from 1935 to 1937.
Eugene Klein and Stamp Collecting
Eugene Klein was very active in the world of philately, which is the study of stamps. From 1911 to 1931, he was the Official Expert for the American Philatelic Society (APS). This meant he could tell if a stamp was real or fake.
He also served as the International Secretary for the APS for many years. This role involved connecting with stamp collectors and societies around the world. He was President of the APS from 1935 to 1937.
Klein also wrote an important book in 1940. It was called United States Waterway Packetmarks. This book was about special stamps and markings used on mail carried by steamboats. The APS considered it a very important book for stamp collectors.
Honors and Awards
Because of his important work in stamp collecting, Eugene Klein was honored in 1944. He was added to the American Philatelic Society Hall of Fame. This is a special place for people who have made a big difference in the world of stamps.
The Famous Inverted Jenny Stamp
Eugene Klein is especially remembered for his connection to a very famous stamp. This stamp is called the Inverted Jenny. It is a 24-cent United States airmail stamp from 1918. What makes it special is a mistake: the airplane in the middle was printed upside down!
A man named William T. Robey found a whole sheet of these rare stamps. Eugene Klein was the stamp dealer who bought this entire sheet from Robey. This made Klein a key part of the history of one of the most famous and valuable stamp errors ever.
