Belgium Epaulettes Type, Imperforate

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 ornate scrollwork and includes the denomination 'DIX CENT.' at the bottom. As the inaugural issue, it marked Belgium's entry into the postal reform movement started by Great Britain.

Issued in 1849, this stamp reflects the establishment of a modern, unified postal system in Belgium, nine years after the world's first stamp, the Penny Black, was released.