On this day: The world’s first adhesive postage stamp in 1840

On the 1st of May 1840, the world’s first adhesive stamp was issued in Great Britain.

Called the “Penny Black”, it featured a profile of Queen Victoria.

The stamp came into public use on the sixth of the month. This particular stamp was in production until February 1841.

The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was issued in Britain on 1 May 1840, for official use from 6 May of that year and features a profile of the Queen Victoria.

Advertisement