The Penny Black

The Penny Black, issued in 1840, was the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It featured a profile of Queen Victoria and made sending mail more efficient by pre-paying postage, removing the need for hand stamps and separate payment. Its introduction revolutionized communication by simplifying postal services, enabling faster and more affordable delivery. Although it was eventually replaced by more advanced stamps, the Penny Black remains a significant milestone in philately and postal history, symbolizing the modern postal system's origins.