Discovering the Iconic Penny Red: A Piece of British History
Few stamps hold as much historical significance and charm as the Penny Red. First issued in 1841, the Penny Red succeeded the world-famous Penny Black, taking its place as the United Kingdom’s standard postage stamp for over three decades. With its distinct red hue and intricate design featuring the effigy of Queen Victoria, the Penny Red became an enduring symbol of Britain’s postal heritage.
The Problem with the Penny Black
Shortly after the Penny Black’s release in 1840, postal officials realised that people could remove the red cancellation marks using water or chemicals, leading to stamp reuse. To solve this, the Rainbow Trials were conducted, testing various inks to find one that couldn’t be removed without damaging the stamp. Black ink proved most effective, but it couldn’t be used on the black background of the Penny Black.
As a result, in 1841, the Penny Black was replaced with the Penny Red, while cancellation marks were changed to black to make them more visible.
While the Penny Red design mirrored its predecessor, the shift to red ink gave it a unique identity. It remained imperforate during its initial release, meaning stamps had to be cut manually from sheets — a detail that makes these early versions particularly sought after by collectors.
The Evolution of British Stamps
During its long tenure, the Penny Red saw several variations, from perforations being introduced in 1854 to changes in the way it was printed and watermarked. It was retired in 1879, and many collectors marvel at the enduring nature of this modest yet historically significant stamp.
For philatelists and history lovers alike, owning a Penny Red offers a tangible connection to the early days of modern postage.
An Exclusive Opportunity: The 1841 Imperforate Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set
For those looking to own a true piece of British heritage, we are proud to offer the 1841 Imperforate 1d Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set. This stunning duo combines two Victorian-era icons: the Penny Red and the highly collectable Victorian Threepence coin.
Your Silver coin features the popular ‘Young Head’ portrait by William Wyon – Queen Victoria’s first for coinage.
The 1841 Penny Red in this set hails from the early imperforate editions, offering a true snapshot of philatelic history. Paired with a Victorian Threepence — a coin minted during Queen Victoria’s reign — this collection is an exclusive opportunity to hold two pieces of Victorian legacy in your hands.
Perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts, this set is beautifully presented and makes for a unique gift or addition to any collection. As with all historical items, these pieces are in limited supply, so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of British history.