Penny black 1840 first

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

About this subject

The Penny Black was introduced in the United Kingdom on May 6, 1840, as part of the postal reform proposed by Rowland Hill. Before it, the cost of sending letters was paid by the recipient and varied by distance, making the system expensive and inefficient. With the adhesive stamp, the sender prepaid a flat rate of one penny for letters up to half an ounce, regardless of distance. This simplified the process and encouraged written communication across social classes.

The stamp featured the profile of Queen Victoria, based on a design by Henry Corbould and engraved by Charles Heath. The image was surrounded by a background of fine lines and the word "POSTAGE" at the top. About 68 million units were printed, but most were destroyed or discarded over time. It is estimated that around 1.5 million copies survived, but in varying conditions.

A technical curiosity: the Penny Black was printed in sheets of 240 stamps, each with letters in the lower corners indicating its position on the sheet (row A-T and column A-L). This helped prevent counterfeiting. Despite being one of the most famous stamps, its rarity is relatively low, but examples in perfect condition or with special cancellations like the "Maltese Cross" can be worth thousands of pounds.

The success of the Penny Black led to the adoption of postage stamps worldwide, starting with Brazil in 1843 with the "Olho de Boi" series. The stamp remained in use until 1841, when it was replaced by the Penny Red due to the difficulty of seeing the black cancellation on the dark background. Today, the Penny Black is an icon of philately and a milestone in postal history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Penny Black worth today?

The value varies greatly depending on condition and cancellation type. A common used specimen can be worth between $10 and $50, while a mint example with a Maltese Cross cancel can fetch thousands of dollars.

Why was the Penny Black replaced by the Penny Red?

The black cancellation used to deface the stamp was hard to see on the dark background of the Penny Black, allowing reuse. In 1841, the Penny Red was introduced with a red background and visible black cancel.

How many Penny Blacks still exist?

It is estimated that about 1.5 million copies survived out of 68 million printed. Most are in private collections and museums, but individual stamps can still be found in the philatelic market.