King Leopold I 'Epaulettes' Issue

Belgium · 1849 · 10c

This stamp features a portrait of King Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians, facing left and wearing a military uniform with prominent epaulettes. The design, engraved by Jacob Wiener, is framed by ornate scrollwork with the denomination 'DIX CENT.' at the bottom. It was Belgium's first-ever postage stamp, marking the country's entry into the postal reform movement.

Issued in 1849, this stamp followed the British postal reforms initiated by the Penny Black. It standardized postage rates within Belgium, facilitating commerce and communication during a period of industrial growth.