Penny Black Anniversary Rowland Hill Souvenir Sheet Mint NH

Penny Black Anniversary Rowland Hill Souvenir Sheet Mint NH

The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was first issued in the United Kingdom (referred to in philatelic circles as Great Britain), on 1 May 1840, but was not valid for use until 6 May. The stamp features a profile of Queen Victoria.

In 1837, British postal rates were high, complex and anomalous. To simplify matters, Sir Rowland Hill proposed an adhesive stamp to indicate pre-payment of postage. At the time it was normal for the recipient to pay postage on delivery, charged by the sheet and on distance travelled. By contrast, the Penny Black allowed letters of up to 1⁄2 ounce (14 grams) to be delivered at a flat rate of one penny, regardless of distance.

Postal delivery systems using what may have been adhesive stamps existed before the Penny Black. The idea had at least been suggested earlier in the Austrian Empire, Sweden, and possibly Greece

Fast & Free Shipping within U.S.A. 

We Care for your order, Pack it carefully and ship it within 24 hours. 

Satisfaction Guaranteed! 

Please explore our store for more stamps, souvenir sheets, post-office collectibles and philately books and pre-philatelic items: 
montecinos.philately