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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.
Celebrate Batman Day with these Iconic Collectibles!
Every year on Saturday, 21st September, fans around the world unite to celebrate one of the most iconic superheroes of all time—Batman. Since his debut in 1939, the Dark Knight has captured the imaginations of comic book lovers, moviegoers, and collectors alike. Whether you’re drawn to his relentless pursuit of justice or his incredible rogues’ gallery, Batman has become a symbol of hope in the darkest corners of Gotham City.
This Batman Day, why not pay tribute to the Caped Crusader with stunning collectibles that will allow you to own a piece of his legacy? Read on to explore some remarkable Batman-themed treasures that will make your collection truly stand out.
Face of Gotham: Batman™ 1oz Silver Coin
Imagine owning a piece of Gotham’s hero, exquisitely captured in silver. The Face of Gotham: Batman™ 1oz Silver Coin brings the Dark Knight to life in a way no ordinary coin could. Struck from .999 fine silver, this unique coin has been shaped and colored to replicate Batman’s iconic cowl, making it a stunning collectible.
Limited to just 5,000 worldwide, this masterpiece from the renowned New Zealand Mint is a must-have for Batman enthusiasts. With its highly detailed craftsmanship and officially licensed packaging, this collectible will be the envy of any fan.
The Dark Knight 10oz Silver Batman Coin
For those seeking something even more impressive, the Dark Knight 10oz Silver Batman Coin offers a bold statement. Combining pure silver with 24-carat gold plating, this coin features intricate designs that include Batman himself, the Batmobile, the Joker, and the Gotham skyline.
What makes this coin exceptional is its use of the innovative multiple-layer technique—something never seen before in a 10oz coin. With only 150 pieces available worldwide, this exclusive collectible is as rare as it is breathtaking.
Presented in a luxurious wooden box and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, the Dark Knight 10oz Silver Batman Coin is a true showstopper. Plus, with an option to spread the cost over 10 interest-free monthly instalments, adding this to your collection has never been easier.
Batman Premium Capsule Boxed Editions
If you’re a fan of both stamps and superheroes, the Batman Premium Capsule Boxed Editions is a collectible you won’t want to miss. Featuring four distinct versions of Batman from comic book history—Modern Age, Bronze Age, Silver Age, and Golden Age—these editions also include the famous Bat-Signal from each era.
Each stamp is sealed within a tamper-proof capsule, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. With just 495 editions available, this is a rare and unique find for both Batman fans and stamp collectors.
NEW Official Batman Commemorative
Looking for an affordable yet striking Batman collectible? The NEW Official Batman Commemorative is a perfect choice. Expertly plated in 24-carat gold and struck to a proof-like finish, this commemorative features the official DC logo on one side and a full-color image of Batman on the other, straight from the original comics.
For just £19.99 (+p&p), you can add this commemorative to your collection today, and it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Twelve Official 1966 Batman Commemorative
Celebrate the campy charm of the 1966 Batman TV series with this set of twelve Official 1966 Batman Commemoratives. Featuring beloved characters like Batman, Robin, and the Joker, along with comic-style text and quotes from the show, this collection is a nostalgic tribute to a pop culture phenomenon.
Presented in a collector’s case with the original Batman logo, this set is a fantastic addition for any fan of the classic series. With limited availability, you’ll want to act fast to secure your piece of TV history.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Dark Knight or new to the world of Gotham City, these exclusive collectibles offer a chance to bring a piece of Batman’s legend into your home.
Order now and celebrate Batman Day in true superhero style!
A Closer Look: The Brand New 2024 Royal British Legion £5 Coin
The Westminster Collection is proud to reveal the Official RBL £5 Coin Range for 2024, featuring a fully approved, one-year-only design and issued in support of the Royal British Legion and our Armed Forces community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and what makes this commemoration especially poignant is the likelihood that it may be the last major anniversary many D-Day veterans will witness.
The Design…
This year’s £5 Poppy® coin design honours not just the historic significance of D-Day but, more intimately, the personal stories of those who lived through it. By focusing on one veteran’s journey from the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 to his return in June 2024, the coins serve as a poignant tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the heroes who fought for freedom.
This year’s design beautifully reflects the ongoing importance of remembrance, 80 years on…
Portrayed on the left as a young soldier in 1944, one brave veteran stands on the smoke-filled Normandy beach amidst the chaos of war. Subtle details like landing craft in the water and Czech hedgehog beach obstacles evoke the iconic imagery of that fateful day.
On the right, the same man returns to the same beach 80 years later, now serene and free of wartime debris, as he remembers the horrors and fallen comrades. Between these two images of the veteran, a vivid red Royal British Legion Poppy® connects the past and present, symbolising memory and honour.
The horizon features rays of sunlight on the right side of the sky representing the setting sun. This imagery echoes the words “At the going down of the sun, we will remember them” from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen – a poignant reminder that soon there will be no more living veterans to recount their experiences. The coin is inscribed with the dates 1944-2024 and the enduring phrase, “We Will Remember Them,” grounding the design in both history and remembrance.
Each coin in the 2024 RBL £5 Coin range has been officially approved by His Majesty King Charles III, and with collectors eagerly awaiting the new RBL £5 coins for 2024, demand is expected to be extremely high…
Click here to view the full range of 2024 Royal British Legion £5 Coins >>
Proudly Supporting the Royal British Legion…
The Westminster Collection has once again partnered with the Royal British Legion to create this remarkable range. With each sale, a 10% donation will be made to the RBL, helping the charity continue its incredible work in providing financial, social, and lifelong support to the Armed Forces community and our veterans.
Earlier this year, The Westminster Collection, in partnership with the RBL, helped bring to light the stories of veterans Bernard, Albert, Jack, and Joe, whose bravery exemplified the spirit of that day. Their personal accounts gave us a window into the past, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of June 6th, 1944, are never forgotten.
Thanks to our amazing collectors, we have now raised over £1.35 million for the Royal British Legion and helped provide life-changing support to veterans like Bernard, Albert, Jack, and Joe.
Click here to view the full range of 2024 Royal British Legion £5 Coins >>