What is the Twopenny Blue?

The world's second postage stamp, issued in 1840 alongside the Penny Black, for the two-penny rate. It shares the Penny Black's young Victoria design but is printed in blue and is scarcer.

Why is the Twopenny Blue worth more than the Penny Black?

Because it was issued in far smaller numbers, making it the scarcer and more sought-after of the two first stamps. Condition, and above all the margins, still decide the individual figure.

Why do margins matter on a Twopenny Blue?

Because it is imperforate and was cut by hand, so margins vary. A four-margin example, with clear borders all round, is scarce and prized, while one cut into the design is worth much less.

Valuation

Twopenny Blue Value: What Is It Worth?

The Twopenny Blue, issued in 1840 alongside the Penny Black, was the world's second postage stamp. It is scarcer and more sought-after than the Penny Black, and a fair example is typically worth around £80 to £150, with fine, four-margin and unused examples worth considerably more. As always, condition, and above all the margins, decide the figure. Values are a guide only and depend on the individual stamp.

World's second stamp

Around £80 to £150

Margins decide

Twopenny Blue

Around £80 to £150

At a glance

Issued1840, the world's second stamp

DesignYoung Queen Victoria, in blue

PerforationImperforate

A fair exampleAround £80 to £150

Fine and unusedConsiderably more

MarginsDecide the value

What the Twopenny Blue is

The Twopenny Blue was issued in 1840, just days after the Penny Black, as the companion stamp for the two-penny postage rate. It shares the Penny Black's design, the young Queen Victoria in profile, but is printed in blue and was issued in far smaller numbers, which makes it the scarcer and more desirable of the two first stamps.

Like the Penny Black, it is imperforate. Our Penny Black hub tells the story of the famous first issue alongside it.

What a Twopenny Blue is worth

Around £80 to £150

A fair example (margins decide)

Because it is scarcer than the Penny Black, the Twopenny Blue commands a higher price. A fair example is typically worth around £80 to £150, while a fine example with four good margins is worth considerably more, and unused examples more still. As with all the line-engraved classics, the margins are crucial: a stamp with clear space all round is far more desirable than one cut into the design. Values are a guide only and depend on condition and the individual stamp.

Why margins matter so much

The single biggest factor after authenticity

For an imperforate stamp like the Twopenny Blue, the margins are the single biggest factor in value after authenticity. Because the stamps were separated by cutting with scissors, the margins vary from stamp to stamp, and a four-margin example, with clear, even borders, is both scarce and prized, while one cut into the design is worth much less. This is why two Twopenny Blues can be worth very different amounts. Our guides to condition and value and perforated versus imperforate stamps explain the principle.

How to identify and value yours

To value a Twopenny Blue, first confirm it is genuine and judge its margins and condition, then compare with what similar examples actually sell for. Because it is a valuable classic, it has been imitated, so for any example you believe to be genuine and fine, expert examination is wise. Our guide to spotting a fake or repaired stamp explains the cautions. If you would like an honest opinion on a Twopenny Blue, our free valuation is glad to help: send clear photographs of the front and back, at no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

A fair example is typically worth around £80 to £150, with fine, four-margin and unused examples worth considerably more. Condition and the margins decide the figure. Values are a guide only.

This is a general guide. For what your own Twopenny Blue is worth, send clear photographs for a free, honest valuation.