The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was first issued in the United Kingdom (referred to in philatelic circles as Great Britain), on 1 May 1840, but was not valid for use until 6 May. The stamp features a profile of Queen Victoria.
In 1837, British postal rates were high, complex and anomalous. To simplify matters, Sir Rowland Hill proposed an adhesive stamp to indicate pre-payment of postage. At the time it was normal for the recipient to pay postage on delivery, charged by the sheet and on distance travelled. By contrast, the Penny Black allowed letters of up to 1⁄2 ounce (14 grams) to be delivered at a flat rate of one penny, regardless of distance.
1840May, 1
The Penny Black, the first official adhesive postage stamp, is issued in the United Kingdom.
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Events on 1840
- 10Feb
Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom marries Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. - 11Feb
La fille du régiment
Gaetano Donizetti's opera La fille du régiment receives its first performance in Paris, France. - 22May
New South Wales
The transportation of British convicts to the New South Wales colony is abolished. - 23Jul
Act of Union 1840
The Province of Canada is created by the Act of Union. - 11Oct
Bashir Shihab II
The Maronite leader Bashir Shihab II surrenders to the Ottoman Empire and later is sent to Malta in exile.