Welcome to Penny Black 1840

Dedicated to the world’s first postage stamp

‘Guide Lines to the Penny Black’ by P.C. Litchfield

Penny Black FAQs, philatelic book reviews, Live Stamp Auctions and images of the Penny Black, 1d Red, 2d Blue and other rare Victorian stamps and cancellations in the Victorian Line Engraved Stamps Blog to help you identify and plate your Victorian line engraved stamp collection.

Visit the Penny Black 1840 Thematic Stamps Blog taking a wider look at the stories behind thematic postage stamps from around the world, as well as other GB Commemorative postage stamps.

Find the perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors of all ages with an elegant range of items featuring our own original designs inspired by the Penny Black and Penny Red postage stamp…the perfect gift for philatelists and stamp collectors everywhere!

  • Strip of 2d Blues on Piece from Plate 4
    Strip of 2d Blue stamps on piece lettered R-D, R-E and R-F, identified as coming from plate 4 using British Line-Engraved Stamps. Twopence Blue. Studies Of Plates 1 to 15 by H. Osborne. Period of use: Plate 4 was completed … Read more
  • 1d Red from Penny Black plate 11
    1d Red stamp lettered E – B identified as coming from black plate 11 using Guide Lines to the Penny Black by P C Litchfield. Period of use: The very first printings from Plate 11 were made on 29 and … Read more
  • 1d Red stamp with London Number in Maltese Cross cancellation
    1d Red stamp lettered R – J with London postmark identified using The Cancellations of the 1841 Penny Red by Goldsmith & Danzig. Period of use: 23 March 1843 – Date of issue recorded in the proof book held at … Read more
  • 2d Blue Plate 2
    2d Blue stamp lettered K -D, identified as coming from plate 2 using British Line-Engraved Stamps. Twopence Blue. Studies Of Plates 1 to 15 by H. Osborne. Period of use: Plate 2 was completed on July 18th, 1840 and put … Read more
  • Penny Black Plate 5
    1 d Penny Black stamp lettered K-J, identified as coming from plate 5 using Guide Lines to the Penny Black by P C Litchfield. Period of use: Earliest issue dated 16 June, 1840, with prints made between 8th June – … Read more
  • Pair of 1d Reds from Penny Black plate 5
    Pair of 1d Red stamps lettered M – K and M – L, identified as coming from black plate 5 using Guide Lines to the Penny Black by P C Litchfield. Period of use: 1841. Colour: Red-brown. Cancellation: Rare single … Read more