Penny black 1840 first

The Penny Black, issued in 1840, was the world's first adhesive postage stamp, marking the beginning of modern philately.

About this subject

The Penny Black is the world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued by the United Kingdom on May 6, 1840. It was the result of postal reforms led by Rowland Hill, who introduced a uniform prepaid postage system, revolutionizing communication. The stamp features the profile of Queen Victoria, based on a design by Henry Corbould and engraved by Frederick Heath. The inscriptions 'POSTAGE' and 'ONE PENNY' are in low relief.

Printing was done in black on ungummed paper, with 240 stamps per sheet, and the stamps were cut with scissors as they were imperforate. A curiosity is that because it was black, the red cancellation (Maltese Cross) was hard to see, leading to later use of black cancellations. The stamp was replaced by the Penny Red in 1841 to prevent reuse fraud.

Today, the Penny Black is a philatelic icon, with well-preserved examples fetching high prices. Unused stamps with wide margins and clear cancellations are especially rare. Despite its historical significance, millions were issued, and used examples are relatively affordable for beginner collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Penny Black?

The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued by the United Kingdom in 1840. It revolutionized the postal system by enabling prepayment of postage.

How much is a Penny Black worth today?

Value varies widely. A used stamp in good condition can cost between $10 and $100, while unused examples with wide margins can fetch thousands of dollars.

Why is it called Penny Black?

The name comes from its face value (one penny, a British coin) and the black ink used in printing.