Penny Black (1840)

William Wyon (portrait) / Charles & Frederick Heath (engraving)

Uncommon

Date

1840

Object Type

Adhesive postage stamp, 1 penny

Medium / Material

Line-engraved intaglio on paper

Production Place

London, England

Dimensions

H 22.5 × W 19 mm

Condition

Fine used

The world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued 6 May 1840 as part of Rowland Hill's Uniform Penny Post reform. Carries a young portrait of Queen Victoria by William Wyon.

Materials & Techniques

Wove paper, black printing ink, gummed reverse

Location

Loading map…