Penny black 1840 first

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

About this subject

The Penny Black was released on May 6, 1840, in the United Kingdom as part of the postal reform proposed by Sir Rowland Hill. Before its introduction, postage was paid by the recipient based on distance and number of sheets, leading to high costs and frequent refusals. Hill advocated for a uniform prepaid system using an adhesive stamp, making mail affordable for everyone. The Penny Black enabled sending a letter weighing up to half an ounce (about 14 grams) anywhere in the UK for just one penny.

The stamp design features the profile of Queen Victoria, based on a medal created by William Wyon. The engraving was done by Charles Heath and his son Frederick, with "POSTAGE" at the top and "ONE PENNY" at the bottom. The upper corners contain stars, while the lower corners have letters indicating the position on the printing plate. Approximately 68 million copies were printed, but well-preserved examples are now rare and valuable.

A notable fact: the Penny Black was printed in sheets of 240 stamps, each with a unique letter combination in the lower corners to prevent counterfeiting. However, the red cancellation ink often failed to show clearly, allowing reuse. As a result, it was replaced in 1841 by the Penny Red, which used black ink for cancellation. The Penny Black is a philatelic icon, often called the "grandmother" of all stamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of a Penny Black?

Value varies greatly depending on condition and letter combination. Common used copies may sell for £50 to £200, while unused or pristine examples can fetch tens of thousands of pounds at auction.

Why was the Penny Black replaced by the Penny Red?

The original cancellation on the Penny Black was red ink, but it did not contrast well with the black stamp, allowing easy washing and reuse. The Penny Red, issued in 1841, was printed in red and cancelled with black ink, solving the issue.

How many Penny Blacks still exist?

An estimated 1.5 million copies survive today, but most are in average condition. Unused stamps or those with wide margins are extremely rare.