Mike's stamp collection: The Halfpenny Rose Red

The Halfpenny Rose Red was first issued by the United Kingdom on 1 October 1870 to accommodate a reduced postal rate for newspapers and postcards. It was the first British stamp of this low denomination and marked a significant development in everyday postal communication. Printed using the line-engraved method, it features the profile of Queen Victoria and the denomination “½d” on either side. Owing to its exceptionally small dimensions—just 17.5 mm x 14 mm—it became known as the “Bantam.” The stamp was printed in sheets of 480 and remained in circulation until 1880. Today, it is highly valued by philatelists for its historical importance and distinctive design.

Some fascinating facts

• Issued in 1870 to cover reduced rates for newspapers and postcards under new postal reforms.
• Smallest British stamp ever—measuring only 17.5 mm x 14 mm, earning the nickname “Bantam.”
• Features Queen Victoria in profile, engraved in the traditional line-engraved style.
• Printed in sheets of 480 stamps (20 rows of 24), unlike the standard 240-stamp sheets of the Penny Red.
• Line-engraved printing method gave it crisp detail, but also made production slower and more complex.
• Each stamp was marked with check letters in the bottom corners to identify its position on the sheet.
• It was the first British stamp with a halfpenny value, reflecting the changing needs of the postal system.
• Withdrawn in 1880, making its period of circulation relatively brief compared to other Victorian issues.
• Designed by Orlando Jewitt, who also created the ornamental letters seen on early British stamps.
•  Its introduction helped increase access to postal services for the general public, especially for printed matter.