Penny Black, Plate 1a

United Kingdom · 1840 · 1d (One Penny)

This is the world's first adhesive postage stamp, famously known as the Penny Black. The design features a profile portrait of Queen Victoria, based on a sketch by Henry Corbould, which was in turn based on the 1837 'City' medal by William Wyon. The background consists of fine engine-turned engraving, and the corners feature star-like designs.

Issued as part of Sir Rowland Hill's postal reforms, the Penny Black revolutionized communication by introducing a uniform, prepaid postage rate, making mail accessible to the general public. Its introduction marks a pivotal moment in the history of the postal service worldwide.