Mike's stamp collection: Penny Black

Before email, before telephones, before even the typewriter—there was the Penny Black. Issued in 1840, it was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, a small square of innovation that quietly sparked a communications revolution. With the simple act of prepaying for a letter, the Penny Black didn’t just make sending mail more efficient—it democratized it, connecting people across class and distance like never before. This unassuming black-and-white stamp, bearing the young Queen Victoria’s profile, marked the beginning of modern postal systems and remains a symbol of how something tiny can change the world.

Here are some fascinating facts about the Penny Black

• First ever postage stamp: Issued in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840, and valid for use from May 6, it was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system.
• Portrait of a young queen: It features a profile of Queen Victoria at age 15, based on a sketch by artist William Wyon—a design used throughout her reign.
• Uniform postage rate: The Penny Black allowed letters to be sent anywhere in the UK for a flat rate of one penny, regardless of distance—a revolutionary concept at the time.
• No country name: The UK was the first to issue a stamp, so it doesn’t include the country’s name—a tradition that continues for British stamps today.
• Color issue: The black ink made it difficult to see postmarks, which led to its replacement just a year later by the Penny Red.
• Short lifespan: The Penny Black was only in official use for about one year, from May 1840 to February 1841.
• Plate numbers: All Penny Blacks were printed from plates 1 to 11, making them collectible in different variations based on plate wear and corner lettering.
• Corner letters: Each stamp has two letters in the lower corners that indicate its position on the printing sheet—this made forgery harder and identification easier.
• Printed without gum: Early Penny Blacks were not gummed; users had to apply glue themselves.
• Millions printed, still rare in good condition: Although over 68 million were printed, finding one in mint condition today is very rare and highly valuable.