The Story Behind The World’s Oldest Postage Stamp
The world’s oldest postage stamp is known as the “Penny Black”. It was issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on May 1, 1840, and was in use until 1879. The stamp features a portrait of Queen Victoria and is black in color, hence the name Penny “Black”.
How The Penny Black Was Born
The Penny Black was introduced as a way to simplify the process of sending mail. Before the stamp, postage was paid by the recipient. This meant that the recipient would often refuse to pay if they didn’t want the mail, leaving the sender with the cost. With the Penny Black, postage was pre-paid, which eliminated the need for recipients to pay for mail.
What Makes The Penny Black So Special?
Aside from its age, the Penny Black is considered special for a few reasons. It was the first stamp to feature an adhesive backing, which meant it could be affixed to letters easily. The stamp’s design also featured a simple, bold design that was easy to recognize and distinguish from other stamps. This helped to prevent fraud and made it easier for the postal service to identify and process mail more efficiently.
Where To See The Penny Black Today
Today, the Penny Black is a highly sought-after collector’s item and is considered one of the most iconic stamps ever issued. While the stamp is relatively common among collectors, finding it in good condition can be difficult. The British Postal Museum and Archive has an original sheet of Penny Blacks on display, as well as other rare stamps and postal artifacts.
The Legacy Of The Penny Black
Even though the Penny Black is no longer in use, its legacy lives on in the world of stamp collecting and postal history. The Penny Black set the standard for modern postage stamps and paved the way for other innovations, such as perforated edges and color designs. Today, stamps remain an important part of our daily lives, and the Penny Black is a reminder of their importance in shaping our world.
