Belgium 1849 Epaulettes Issue, King Leopold I

Belgium · 1849 · 10c

This is the first postage stamp issued by Belgium, featuring a portrait of King Leopold I in military uniform with prominent epaulettes. The design, engraved by Jacob Wiener, is framed by an ornate border with the denomination 'DIX CENT.' at the bottom. This issue is often referred to as the 'Epaulettes' issue due to the distinctive shoulder decorations.

Issued on July 1, 1849, this stamp marked Belgium's entry into the postal reform movement that began with Great Britain's Penny Black. It standardized and prepaid postage rates within the country, revolutionizing its mail system.