Unused block of four "Penny Black" postage stamps of Queen Victoria

William Wyon

issued May 6, 1840 · Engraving printed in black ink on paper · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The "Penny Black" is the first stamp issued by Britain. The portait of Queen Victoria is after an engraving by William Wyon (1795–1851) of the Royal Mint commemorating Queen Victoria's visit to the Corporation of London on November 9, 1837.

Artist

William Wyon

Date

issued May 6, 1840

Medium

Engraving printed in black ink on paper

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ada Peluso, and Romano I. Peluso, in memory of Ignazio Peluso, 2002