Mike's stamp collection: Two Penny Blue

Often overshadowed by its famous sibling, the Penny Black, the Two Penny Blue holds its own unique place in postal history. Issued just two days after the world’s first postage stamp in 1840, the 2d Blue shared the same elegant profile of Queen Victoria but was twice the value—and far scarcer. Created for heavier letters and double-rate postage, it was printed in limited quantities and never reissued in its original form. Though less well-known, the Two Penny Blue is a prized treasure for collectors and historians alike—a quiet symbol of how innovation unfolded in more than one shade.

Here are some fascinating facts about the Two Penny Blue

• Issued in 1840: The 2d Blue was released on May 8, 1840, just two days after the famous Penny Black.
• Same design, different color: It features the same profile of Queen Victoria as the Penny Black but was printed in blue ink to distinguish it from the 1d stamp.
• First blue postage stamp: It holds the title of being the first blue stamp in the world.
• Intended for heavier mail: The 2d Blue was used for letters weighing more than half an ounce, which required double the basic penny rate.
• Rarer than the Penny Black: While over 68 million Penny Blacks were printed, only around 600,000 of the original Two Penny Blues were issued—making it much rarer.
• Never reissued in original form: Unlike the Penny Black, the original 2d Blue was never reprinted, increasing its historical value.
• No country name: Like all British stamps, it bears no country name—a tradition begun with the Penny Black.
• Corner lettering system: Each stamp has two identifying letters in the bottom corners, indicating its exact position on the printed sheet.
• Produced from Plate 1 only: The original 2d Blue was printed from a single plate, known as Plate 1.
• Highly collectible: Due to its limited run and elegant design, the Two Penny Blue is considered a crown jewel among philatelists.