Historical Significance of the 1st Local Stamp
The first local stamp, also known as the “Penny Black,” was issued in the United Kingdom on May 6, 1840. It was designed by Rowland Hill and engraved by Charles Heath. The stamp featured a profile of Queen Victoria and the words “Postage One Penny.”
The Penny Black was a revolutionary innovation in the postal system. Prior to its introduction, postage was paid by the recipient of the letter. This system was often inconvenient and expensive, especially for long-distance mail. The Penny Black allowed senders to prepay postage, making it easier and more affordable to send mail.
The Penny Black was an instant success. Within the first year, over 60 million stamps were sold. The stamp remained in use for over 40 years, and it is still considered one of the most iconic stamps in history.
Value of the 1st Local Stamp
Today, the Penny Black is a valuable collector’s item. The value of a Penny Black can vary depending on its condition, but a fine example can sell for over $1,000,000.
In 2019, a Penny Black that was previously owned by King Edward VII sold for £1.2 million (approximately $1.5 million) at auction. This is the highest price ever paid for a single Penny Black.
How to Identify a Penny Black
There are a few key features that can help you identify a Penny Black:
- The stamp is black and measures 18.5mm x 25.5mm.
- The stamp features a profile of Queen Victoria facing right.
- The words “Postage One Penny” are printed in the center of the stamp.
- The stamp is perforated with 14½ perforations per 25mm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that collectors make when trying to identify a Penny Black:
- Mistaking a later stamp for a Penny Black. The Penny Black was only issued between 1840 and 1841. Later stamps may look similar, but they will have different perforations or other distinguishing features.
- Assuming that all Penny Blacks are valuable. The value of a Penny Black depends on its condition. A stamp that is damaged or has been repaired is worth less than a stamp that is in good condition.
- Overpaying for a Penny Black. Penny Blacks are valuable, but they are not worth paying an exorbitant price for. If you are considering buying a Penny Black, be sure to get it appraised by a qualified expert.
How to Buy a Penny Black
If you are interested in buying a Penny Black, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about Penny Blacks before you start shopping. This will help you avoid making mistakes and overpaying for a stamp.
- Buy from a reputable dealer. There are many reputable dealers who sell Penny Blacks. Be sure to do your research and choose a dealer who has a good reputation.
- Get the stamp appraised. Once you have found a stamp that you are interested in, have it appraised by a qualified expert. This will help you determine the value of the stamp and make sure that it is genuine.
Conclusion
The Penny Black is a valuable collector’s item that is steeped in history. If you are interested in collecting stamps, the Penny Black is a great place to start. Just be sure to do your research and avoid making common mistakes.
Tables
| Year | Number of Stamps Sold |
|---|---|
| 1840 | 60,000,000 |
| 1841 | 50,000,000 |
| 1842 | 40,000,000 |
| 1843 | 30,000,000 |
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Mint | $1,000,000+ |
| Fine | $500,000-$1,000,000 |
| Very good | $100,000-$500,000 |
| Good | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Fair | $1,000-$50,000 |
| Perforations | Number of Perforations per 25mm |
|---|---|
| 14½ | Penny Black (1840-1841) |
| 16 | Penny Red (1841-1879) |
| 14 | Penny Blue (1841-1854) |
| 12½ | Penny Lilac (1854-1855) |
| Dealer | Reputation | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Stanley Gibbons | Excellent | https://www.stanleygibbons.com/ |
| David Feldman | Excellent | https://www.davidfeldman.com/ |
| Spink | Excellent | https://www.spink.com/ |
| Christie’s | Excellent | https://www.christies.com/ |
