Great Britain · Classic
The Penny Black: The World's First Stamp
The Penny Black, issued in Great Britain on 1 May 1840 and valid for postage from 6 May, was the world's first adhesive postage stamp. It shows a profile of the young Queen Victoria, is printed in black, and is always imperforate. As the first stamp, it is one of the most famous and collectable objects in the world, though, being issued in large numbers, it is iconic rather than rare.
At a glance
The story of the Penny Black
The Penny Black was born of a reform that changed the world. Before 1840, postage was costly and paid by the recipient, by distance and by the sheet. Rowland Hill's reform introduced a simple, prepaid penny rate for a letter anywhere in Britain, and the Penny Black was the means of prepayment: a small adhesive label, sold for one penny, to be stuck on the letter.
It was an immediate success, copied the world over, and it began the hobby of stamp collecting itself. That it was the first is what makes it so enduringly collectable.
1840, the world's first
A piece of history in black
Black, imperforate, the young Victoria in profile, with "POSTAGE" above and "ONE PENNY" below: the Penny Black is one of the most recognisable objects in the world, and the stamp that began it all.
How to recognise a Penny Black
A Penny Black is recognised by its black colour, its imperforate edges, the young Victoria profile, the words "POSTAGE" above and "ONE PENNY" below, blank stars in the upper corners and check letters in the lower corners, and a Maltese Cross cancellation, often red. The stamp most often confused with it is its red-brown successor, the Penny Red. Our guide to identifying a Penny Black gives the full method, and our Penny Black versus Penny Red guide shows how to tell the two apart.
What a Penny Black is worth
Because it was issued in large numbers, the Penny Black is iconic but not rare, so a worn, used example is surprisingly affordable, while fine, unused and scarce examples are worth a great deal more. Condition decides the figure more than anything else. Our Penny Black value guide sets out what each kind is worth, with current figures, and explains why margins and condition matter so much.
Owning a Penny Black
More attainable than its fame suggests
For many collectors, owning a Penny Black is a milestone, the chance to hold the very first postage stamp. It is more attainable than its fame suggests: a sound used example is within most collectors' reach, while finer examples reward those who seek them. Whatever the grade, a genuine Penny Black is a piece of history. We are glad to help you find one, honestly described and photographed front and back; browse our Great Britain stamps, or ask us what is available.
Frequently asked questions
The world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued in Great Britain in 1840. It shows the young Queen Victoria in profile, is printed in black, and is always imperforate.
No. It is iconic and famous, but it was issued in large numbers, so it is not rare. A worn, used example is surprisingly affordable, while fine and unused ones are worth far more.
It is black, imperforate, and shows the young Victoria with "POSTAGE" above and "ONE PENNY" below. A red-brown stamp of the same design is a Penny Red. Our identification guide explains.
From a modest sum for a worn, used example to many thousands of pounds for a fine, unused or scarce one. Condition decides the figure. See our Penny Black value guide.
Founder and stamp dealerLast updated June 2026