United Kingdom Queen Victoria Penny Black
United Kingdom · 1840 · 1d (One Penny)
The Penny Black is the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It features a profile of Queen Victoria against a finely engraved, intricate background. The design, based on a sketch by Henry Corbould, was chosen to be difficult to forge.
Issued on May 1, 1840, the Penny Black revolutionized communication by introducing a prepaid, standardized postage rate, making mail accessible to the general populace and reforming the British postal system.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
Estimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
