Penny black 1840 first

The Penny Black, issued in 1840, was the world's first adhesive postage stamp, revolutionizing communication and philately.

About this subject

The Penny Black was introduced in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840, and went into circulation on May 6 of the same year. Created by Rowland Hill, who proposed postal reform, the stamp allowed sending letters weighing up to half an ounce (about 14 grams) for just one penny (hence the name). The stamp's design featured a profile of Queen Victoria based on a medallion by William Wyon, and it was printed on unwatermarked paper with a background of fine lines to deter counterfeiting. Each sheet contained 240 stamps arranged in 20 rows of 12, with each stamp individually numbered to indicate its position on the sheet. The black color was chosen to contrast with the red cancellation ink, but early cancellations were red; because black made the cancellation hard to read, the color was soon changed to red for the Penny Red starting in 1841. Approximately 68 million Penny Blacks were printed, and many survive today, making it one of the most iconic stamps in philately. Interestingly, the stamp does not bear the country's name, as the United Kingdom was the only country issuing stamps at the time. To this day, British stamps do not display the country name, instead using the monarch's silhouette as identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Penny Black so famous?

The Penny Black is famous as the world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued in 1840 by the United Kingdom. It revolutionized the postal system by making letter sending more affordable and standardized.

What is the current value of a Penny Black?

The value ranges from a few dollars for used, common stamps to thousands of dollars for pristine condition copies with wide margins and no faults. Rarity depends on condition and position on the sheet.

Why doesn't the Penny Black have the country's name?

At the time of its issue, the United Kingdom was the only country issuing postage stamps. Therefore, there was no need to identify the origin. To this day, British stamps do not bear the country name, only the sovereign's image.