The Penny Black stamp was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, issued in the United Kingdom on 1 May 1840. The stamp featured an image of Queen Victoria and was valued at one penny, hence the name “Penny Black.” The stamp was printed in large numbers, and over 68 million were produced in its first year alone.
To prevent fraud, the stamps were printed with a red cancellation mark to indicate that they had been used. This is why Penny Blacks with a clear, undamaged image of Queen Victoria are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
On 1 May 2015, google celebrated the 175th anniversary of the Penny Black stamp.
History of Penny Black Stamp
Before the introduction of the Penny Black, postage rates in the UK were based on the number of sheets and the distance traveled. This made mailing letters expensive and complicated. In 1837, a British schoolmaster named Rowland Hill proposed a radical solution: the introduction of prepaid adhesive stamps.
The idea was met with skepticism, but Hill persisted and in 1839, a competition was held to design a new stamp. The winning design was created by the artist William Wyon, and the Penny Black was born.
Significance of Penny Black Stamp
The Penny Black stamp was significant for several reasons. It was the first adhesive postage stamp in the world, and it paved the way for modern postal systems. The introduction of prepaid stamps made mailing letters easier and more accessible to the general public, and it helped to establish the UK’s reputation as a leader in postal innovation.
The Penny Black also had a significant impact on stamp collecting as a hobby. It became popular among collectors almost immediately after its release, and it remains a highly sought-after item among philatelists to this day.
FAQ on Penny Black stamp
The Penny Black was valued at one penny.
Over 68 million Penny Black stamps were produced in their first year of issue.
The Penny Black featured an image of Queen Victoria, along with the words “POSTAGE” and “ONE PENNY.”
Penny Blacks were printed with a red cancellation mark to indicate that they had been used. This mark often obscures or damages the image of Queen Victoria, making clear, undamaged examples rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The Penny Black was first issued on May 1, 1840.
