Stamp Collecting - The Penny Black

History of the Penny Black

The penny black is the most iconic and recognizable stamp in the world. It’s the world’s first adhesive stamp and also the first stamp that was ever issued. Before the penny black was introduced in 1840, people paid for their letters with cash or a written promise to pay. The penny black changed communication and postal services forever, and it’s a stamp that remains popular and in demand even today. The first adhesive postage stamp was patented by an Englishman named Rowland Hill in 1837. Hill’s idea behind the stamp was that it would standardize postal costs throughout Britain and make the system easier to use. It took a couple of years to convince the government to adopt the idea, but once they did, the penny black was born.

Why the Penny Black is sought-after

Stamp collecting is both a hobby and an investment. Many stamps, particularly older and rarer stamps, are valuable collectibles that can appreciate over time. In some cases, rare stamps can even be considered an asset. The penny black is one such stamp. It’s one of the most sought-after stamps in the world, and it’s one you want to add to your collection. The first thing that makes the penny black a sought-after stamp among collectors is its historic value. It’s not only the first stamp ever issued, but it also features the head of Queen Victoria, making it an important piece of British history.

How to identify a Penny Black

The penny black is a black stamp featuring the portrait of Queen Victoria. It was issued in 1840 and remained in use until 1879. The stamp was a standard one-penny piece and was used to pay for one single-sheet letter. The penny black was printed on gummed paper, making it the world’s first adhesive stamp. In terms of its size, the penny black varies in size. The large penny black is 21.5 millimeters by 31.5 millimeters, and the small penny black is 21.5 millimeters by 15.5 millimeters. The stamp is printed in black ink on yellow paper, making it easily identifiable among other stamps. In addition, there is a black line in the middle of the stamp that helps distinguish it from the other types of paper.

Variations of the Penny Black

There are several different types of penny blacks, and they do not all share the same design.

The large penny black - The large penny black is the standard penny black stamp that was issued in 1840. It features a portrait of Queen Victoria and was printed on yellow paper.

The small penny black - The small penny black is a variation of the penny black printed in 1851. The design features the same portrait as the original large penny black, but it’s printed on white paper. The small penny black is considered extremely rare, with only five known copies in existence.

Price of the Penny Black

The penny black is a rare stamp, and as such, it comes with a hefty price tag. It’s one of the most expensive stamps in the world, with a one-penny black stamp being valued at over $37,000. The value of a stamp depends on several factors, including its rarity and overall condition. Brittle paper and tear marks can decrease the value of a stamp, while uncancelled stamps are worth more than stamped ones. If you do find a penny black, be sure to check the details carefully before you buy it. Make sure it’s not a repressed penny black, which is extremely common.

Where to buy the Penny Black

The best place to buy the penny black is from a reputable stamp dealer. These dealers will have a wide selection of stamps and can help you find the perfect penny black to add to your collection. The Penny Black Philatelic Society is a great online resource for any collector looking to buy penny blacks. The site features a stamp exchange where collectors can buy, sell, and trade both stamps and information about these stamps. It’s a great place to start your penny black collection or to add to an existing one.

Care and storage of the Penny Black

The first rule when it comes to caring for your penny black is to never touch the stamp with your hands. Dirt and oils from your fingers can damage the stamp over time and make it less valuable. Make sure you store your stamps in a clean and dry place. Humidity and temperature fluctuations are bad for stamps, so make sure you keep yours in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you want to display your stamps, you can place them in a stamp album. You can find albums specifically designed for penny blacks or other types of stamps at your local bookstore. Never place your stamps in an original envelope as they might stick together and tear.

Benefits of collecting the Penny Black

Collecting stamps is a fun and exciting way to learn about history and artwork. Stamps are miniature works of art, and collecting them can show you a new side of history. With the penny black stamp, you can learn about the British Empire and the way the world communicated in the 19th century. Stamps are also a great investment. Many stamps appreciate value over time, making them a great investment for the future. The penny black is one of the most valuable stamps in the world, so it’s sure to appreciate over time.

Conclusion

The penny black is an iconic stamp that is as popular now as it was when it was first issued in 1840. It’s a stamp that features the head of Queen Victoria, making it an important piece of British history. It’s also the world’s first adhesive stamp, making it even more valuable and sought-after among collectors. If you come across the penny black, don’t hesitate to add it to your collection.