Penny Black & Penny Red Postage Stamps

Mark Cartwright
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Two British postage stamps bearing the portrait of Queen Victoria (reign 1837-1901). The Penny Black was the world's first postage stamp and issued from May 1840. As it was difficult to see an obliteration stamp (postmark) against a black background, the Penny Red was introduced from February 1841. (Private Collection)

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About the Author

Mark Cartwright
Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Cartwright, M. (2025, September 04). Penny Black & Penny Red Postage Stamps. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20951/penny-black--penny-red-postage-stamps/

Chicago Style

Cartwright, Mark. "Penny Black & Penny Red Postage Stamps." World History Encyclopedia, September 04, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20951/penny-black--penny-red-postage-stamps/.

MLA Style

Cartwright, Mark. "Penny Black & Penny Red Postage Stamps." World History Encyclopedia, 04 Sep 2025, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20951/penny-black--penny-red-postage-stamps/.

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