United Kingdom 1840 1d Penny Black
United Kingdom · 1840 · 1d
The Penny Black is the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It features a profile of Queen Victoria, based on a sketch made when she was 15, against a finely engraved black background. The design, by Henry Corbould, was chosen from submissions in a Treasury competition.
Issued on May 1, 1840, and valid for use from May 6, the Penny Black revolutionized communication by introducing a prepaid, standardized postage rate, making mail accessible to the general populace.
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.
