King Leopold I 'Epaulettes' 10 centimes

Belgium · 1849 · 10c

This stamp features a portrait of King Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians, facing left. He is depicted in military uniform, notable for the prominent epaulettes on his shoulders, which give the issue its popular name. The design is framed by intricate scrollwork, with the denomination 'DIX CENT.' at the bottom.

Issued in 1849, this was the very first postage stamp of Belgium, marking the country's entry into the postal reform movement that began with Great Britain's Penny Black. It was designed by Jacob Wiener and printed by the Stamp Workshop in Brussels.