175th Anniversary of the Penny Black

Description

In general circulation for little over a year the Penny Black is something of an iconic stamp.

"...A bit of paper just large enough to bear the stamp, and covered at the back with a glutinous wash."

This was the first mention of what became the world's first adhesive postage stamp. The quote came from Rowland Hill as he was answering the questions of a parliamentary enquiry into the Post Office service in February 1837.

The Penny Black was issued in Britain on 1st May 1840, for official use from 6th May of that year. The stamp featured a profile of the Queen Victoria,

the design was based on a sculpture by William Wyon produced for a medal commemorating Queen Victoria's visit to the City of London in November 1837.

Specification