Penny black 1840 first

The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued in 1840 in the United Kingdom, revolutionizing postal systems and inaugurating philately.

About this subject

The Penny Black was introduced on May 6, 1840, as part of the postal reform led by Sir Rowland Hill. Previously, postage costs were paid by the recipient and varied by distance. Hill proposed a uniform prepaid rate of one penny for letters up to half an ounce, which required a proof of payment: the adhesive stamp. The stamp features the profile of Queen Victoria, based on a medal created by William Wyon. The profile was chosen to deter counterfeiting.

Technically, the Penny Black was printed from steel plates, without perforations, each stamp was cut with scissors. Sheets contained 240 stamps, and the paper had a small crown watermark. Approximately 68 million stamps were produced, but many were later destroyed. Eleven printing plates are known, with plates 1 to 10 being common, while plate 11 is extremely rare. The black color was chosen for contrast but was soon replaced by red (Penny Red) in 1841, as the red cancellation mark was hard to see on black.

Culturally, the Penny Black is the world's most famous stamp, a symbol of the beginning of modern postal communication. Although not the rarest, used stamps can be bought at modest prices, unused specimens in perfect condition fetch high prices at auctions. A curiosity is that the original cancellation used a red Maltese cross, but since the stamp was black, the mark was almost invisible, leading to the switch to the Penny Red.

The Penny Black's impact was global: it inspired other countries to issue stamps, such as Brazil with the Bull's Eye in 1843 and the United States in 1847. Today, the Penny Black remains a must-have in philatelic collections, representing the zero milestone of postal history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the issue date of the Penny Black?

The Penny Black was issued on May 6, 1840, in the United Kingdom.

Why is it called Penny Black?

Because it cost one penny and was printed in black ink on white paper.

Is the Penny Black rare?

Used copies are relatively common, but unused examples in good condition are rare and valuable.