Denmark 1851 Coat of Arms, Imperforate

Denmark · 1851 · 4 Rigsbankskilling

This is the first postage stamp issued by Denmark, featuring the national Coat of Arms with three crowned lions and nine hearts, surmounted by a royal crown. The denomination '4 R.B.S.' (Rigsbankskilling) is inscribed below, and the stamp is framed by an ornate, wavy-line border. It was printed imperforate on yellowish paper with a watermark showing a crown.

Issued on April 1, 1851, this stamp marked Denmark's entry into the postal reform movement that began with Great Britain's Penny Black. It facilitated the prepayment of postage, simplifying the mail system under King Frederick VII.