150th Anniversary of the Penny Black
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | May 6, 1990 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 6 |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1253 Stamp Number IN 1312 Yvert et Tellier IN 1055 Stanley Gibbons IN 1404 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Stamps |
The first adhesive postage stamp, known as the “Penny Black,” was issued in Britain 150 years ago, marking a significant milestone in postal history. Here are some key points about the Penny Black and its background:
Introduction and Design:
- The Penny Black was issued on May 1, 1840, and officially came into use for postage on May 6, 1840.
- It featured a small, square piece of paper with a black color, displaying the head of Queen Victoria and a postage value of one penny.
- The design of the Queen’s head used on the stamp was based on an engraving by William Wyon, originally created for a commemorative City Medal in 1837.
Origins and Purpose:
- Sir Rowland Hill advocated for postal reforms and proposed the use of adhesive stamps to prepay postage costs uniformly across distances.
- The idea behind the Penny Black was to simplify postage payment and encourage prepayment using stamps affixed to mail items.
Design Competition and Production:
- Despite a design competition organized by the Treasury, none of the entries were deemed suitable for use.
- Ultimately, the decision was made to use the Queen’s portrait from Wyon’s engraving for the stamp.
- The stamp was printed in black ink for the one penny denomination. A two pence stamp in blue was also planned and issued shortly after.
Impact and Legacy:
- The Penny Black quickly became a model for postage stamps worldwide, inspiring other countries to issue their own stamps.
- In India, the first postage stamps, known as the Scinde Dawks, were issued in 1852 for use in Sind and on the Bombay-Karachi route, following the British example.
Replacement and Successors:
- The Penny Black was in use for less than a year and was replaced by the Penny Red in 1841 due to concerns over tampering and visibility of postmarks on the black design.
- Despite its short lifespan, the Penny Black set the stage for the global adoption of postage stamps as a standard method of prepaying postage fees.
Overall, the Penny Black remains a symbol of innovation in postal services and a pivotal moment in the history of communication and commerce. Its introduction paved the way for the widespread use of postage stamps as we know them today.