The Penny Black: A Revolutionary Milestone in Postal History

The Penny Blac
Share

Date Issued: 1 May 1840
Catalogue Reference: Stanley Gibbons No. 1
Watermark: Small Crown
Cancellation: Red Maltese Cross

The Penny Black holds a special place in the history of philately as the world’s first adhesive postage stamp issued for public use. Its debut on 1 May 1840 forever changed how postage was handled, marking the beginning of modern postal systems. Officially valid from 6 May 1840, this iconic stamp revolutionized communication, making it more accessible to people from all walks of life.

a man sitting at a desk writing on a paper
Sir Rowland Hill

The Visionary Behind the Stamp

In the early 19th century, British postal rates were exorbitant and complex, with recipients typically paying postage based on the distance travelled and the number of pages. Sir Rowland Hill, a pioneer in postal reform, envisioned a simpler, more efficient system. He proposed the prepayment of postage through adhesive stamps, ensuring a flat rate of one penny for letters weighing up to half an ounce (14 grams), irrespective of distance.

Design and Production

The elegant profile of Queen Victoria on the Penny Black was engraved by Charles and Frederick Heath, based on Henry Corbould’s sketch. The sketch itself was inspired by a cameo created by William Wyon in 1834 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s visit to London. This regal depiction remained on British stamps until her passing in 1901, symbolizing an era of immense progress.

Key design elements include:

  • “POSTAGE” at the top, differentiating it from revenue stamps.
  • “ONE PENNY.” at the bottom, indicating the postage rate.
  • Maltese crosses with radiant solar discs in the upper corners.
  • Position letters in the lower corners to signify the stamp’s location on the printed sheet.

Printed by Perkins Bacon, each sheet comprised 240 stamps arranged in 20 rows of 12. The sheets were sold for one pound per sheet or one shilling per row.

The Impact of the Penny Black

Beyond its striking design, the Penny Black democratized communication, enabling ordinary people to send letters affordably. Though adhesive stamps had been considered in other parts of the world, such as Austria and Sweden, it was the Penny Black that set the standard for the future of global postal systems.

Did You Know?

  • The Penny Black’s design dimensions—3/4 inch wide by 7/8 inch tall (approximately 19 x 22 mm)—were chosen to accommodate both the Queen’s portrait and the required inscriptions.
  • The red Maltese Cross cancellation was used to ensure stamps could not be reused.

Legacy of the Penny Black

The simplicity and practicality of this revolutionary stamp laid the groundwork for postage stamps worldwide. Today, British stamps continue to honour their heritage by featuring the monarch’s image, eliminating the need for a country name.

Do you own a Penny Black or have a story about finding this philatelic gem? Share your experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more fascinating insights into the world of stamps and postal history.

165 thoughts on “The Penny Black: A Revolutionary Milestone in Postal History”

  1. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to
    assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement
    you access consistently fast.

  2. I will immediately grasp your rss as I can not
    in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.

    Do you have any? Please let me know in order that I may just subscribe.

    Thanks.

  3. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled
    upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I get
    in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently
    fast.

  4. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could
    i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  5. I was very pleased to uncover this website. I want to
    to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!!
    I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and I have you
    saved as a favorite to look at new stuff on your web site.

  6. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.
    I will always bookmark your blog and will come back
    sometime soon. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have
    a nice holiday weekend!

  7. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website.

    I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own blog
    now 😉

  8. It is the best time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time
    to be happy. I have learn this put up and if I may
    just I wish to recommend you some fascinating things or advice.
    Perhaps you could write subsequent articles regarding this
    article. I desire to learn more issues about it!

  9. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favourite
    justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest factor to have in mind of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider issues that they plainly don’t know about.
    You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the entire thing without having
    side effect , folks can take a signal. Will probably be
    back to get more. Thank you

  10. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website.
    I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content from you in the future
    as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very
    own website now 😉

  11. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m
    inspired! Extremely useful information specifically the closing
    section 🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I was seeking this
    particular information for a long time. Thank you
    and good luck.

  12. Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.
    It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the
    same old rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  13. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but
    after looking at a few of the articles I realized
    it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking
    it and checking back frequently!

  14. Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before
    but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  15. I know this site gives quality depending articles or reviews and extra data,
    is there any other website which presents these kinds of information in quality?

  16. Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a wonderful
    job!

  17. Thanks , I have recently been looking for info approximately this topic for a
    long time and yours is the best I have discovered till now.
    But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive about the supply?

  18. Howdy I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was
    browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and
    a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the
    excellent work.

  19. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I assumed this publish was once
    good. I don’t realize who you’re but definitely you
    are going to a well-known blogger if you happen to aren’t already.
    Cheers!

  20. After checking out a few of the articles on your website, I honestly like your way
    of blogging. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be checking
    back soon. Please visit my web site as well and tell me what you think.

  21. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site?
    My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and
    my users would certainly benefit from a lot of the information you present here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!

  22. Hi there every one, here every one is sharing these kinds of knowledge, therefore it’s
    pleasant to read this weblog, and I used to go to see this blog
    everyday.

  23. Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace,
    when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to
    this brilliant paragraph.

  24. A person essentially assist to make seriously articles I might state.
    That is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far?
    I amazed with the research you made to make this particular post amazing.
    Wonderful activity!

  25. you’re actually a good webmaster. The web site loading pace is amazing.
    It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick.
    Also, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a magnificent process in this subject!

  26. I think this is among the most vital information for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The site style is great, the articles
    is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  27. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However
    I am encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to
    join it. Is there anybody getting similar RSS problems?
    Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  28. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add
    to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.

    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would
    have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to
    your new updates.

  29. Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break.
    I love the info you provide here and can’t wait to
    take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my
    mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
    Anyhow, excellent site!

  30. You are so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve truly read through something like this before.
    So great to discover somebody with unique
    thoughts on this subject. Really.. many thanks for starting this up.
    This site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with some originality!

  31. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out
    a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

  32. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with
    your site in web explorer, may test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big component of folks will pass over your great writing due to this problem.

  33. Thank you, I have just been looking for info about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far.

    However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive in regards to the source?

  34. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this excellent blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

  35. Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Ie, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!

  36. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or
    maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
    My blog covers a lot of the same subjects as yours
    and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you
    are interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Great blog by the way!

  37. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone
    to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like
    to find out where u got this from. many thanks

  38. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move
    to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on various websites for about a year
    and am worried about switching to another platform.
    I have heard good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my
    wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  39. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that
    I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing
    to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  40. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after checking through some of
    the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m
    definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

  41. Hi there I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by accident,
    while I was looking on Bing for something else, Anyhow I am here
    now and would just like to say many thanks for a marvelous
    post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
    look over it all at the moment but I have saved it and
    also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent jo.

  42. Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you
    are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to
    keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  43. You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write.
    The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you
    who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

  44. When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the thought of a user in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.
    Therefore that’s why this piece of writing is amazing.
    Thanks!

  45. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve take note your stuff previous to and
    you’re simply extremely wonderful. I really like
    what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way by which you say it.
    You are making it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it smart.
    I can not wait to read much more from you.
    That is actually a terrific site.

  46. My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on several websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into
    it? Any help would be really appreciated!

  47. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content
    seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer.

    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to
    do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you
    know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Many thanks

  48. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
    for the post. I will certainly comeback.

  49. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d
    ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?

    My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each
    other. If you are interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  50. I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m no longer
    certain whether or not this submit is written by way
    of him as no one else realize such targeted about my problem.
    You are incredible! Thank you!

  51. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked
    submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted
    to say fantastic blog!

  52. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that
    I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll
    be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  53. I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours lately,
    but I never found any fascinating article like
    yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion,
    if all site owners and bloggers made just right content material as you did,
    the net might be a lot more useful than ever before.

  54. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if
    you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?

    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty
    finding one? Thanks a lot!

  55. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I
    clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!

  56. I truly love your blog.. Excellent colors &
    theme. Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply
    back as I’m trying to create my own personal website and would love to know where you got this from or
    just what the theme is named. Cheers!

  57. Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and
    wished to mention that I have truly loved browsing your
    weblog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  58. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and
    I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information particularly the ultimate
    phase 🙂 I handle such information a lot. I used to be
    seeking this particular information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  59. This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a reader
    entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
    to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.

    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

  60. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i
    was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses?
    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much
    appreciated.

  61. Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your website in internet
    explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a huge portion of people will pass over your great writing due to this problem.

  62. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog
    post or vice-versa? My site goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours
    and I believe we could greatly benefit from each
    other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an email.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!

  63. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent.
    I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart.

    I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a great site.

  64. I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The site style is perfect,
    the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  65. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this excellent blog!

    I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my
    Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

  66. Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same
    niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  67. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

  68. whoah this blog is magnificent i really like reading your posts.
    Stay up the great work! You realize, many persons are hunting round for this info, you
    could help them greatly.

  69. My brother suggested I would possibly like this
    blog. He was once totally right. This publish actually made
    my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info!
    Thank you!

  70. I feel that is one of the such a lot significant information for me.

    And i am satisfied studying your article. However should commentary on some normal issues, The site taste is
    great, the articles is truly excellent : D. Excellent job, cheers

  71. Having read this I believed it was really informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put
    this article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  72. Hey! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My web site looks weird when viewing from my apple
    iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be
    able to correct this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share.

    Appreciate it!

  73. Generally I do not read article on blogs, but
    I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to
    try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me.
    Thank you, quite nice article.

    1. Hassan Al Hadethi

      Did you read any other posts, or you have a specific interest so I could address it with a specific post?

  74. You are so cool! I don’t suppose I have read anything like this before.
    So good to discover somebody with some original thoughts on this subject matter.
    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is one
    thing that is required on the web, someone with some originality!

  75. After I originally left a comment I seem to have
    clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox
    and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
    There has to be an easy method you are able to
    remove me from that service? Kudos!

    1. Hassan Al Hadethi

      Dear Friend … I will work on the issue you raised, and please allow me sometime to fix it. Many thanks for your interest

  76. Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am
    going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I am
    unable to join it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS problems?
    Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  77. Just wish to say your article is as astounding.
    The clearness in your post is just great and i could assume
    you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.

    Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  78. Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
    I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.

    I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.

  79. Hello I am so happy I found your web site, I really found you by mistake,
    while I was searching on Bing for something else,
    Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a
    all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I
    have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

  80. I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never
    found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me.
    In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful
    than ever before.

  81. What i don’t realize is in reality how you’re not really much more smartly-favored than you might be now.
    You are so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably on the subject
    of this topic, made me for my part imagine it from a lot
    of varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless
    it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga!

    Your own stuffs nice. At all times deal with it up!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *