Penny Black Four Clear Margin Stamp

A fine example of the world’s first official postal stamp

On 6 May 1840 the world’s first ever pre-paid postage stamp was issued – the iconic Penny Black. Now over 175 years later you have the rare opportunity to secure one of these historic issues with FOUR clear margins.

The Penny Black Stamp was in production for less than one year, with the final issue printed in February 1841. The vast majority of the Penny Black Stamps that were originally printed 175 years ago have long since disappeared. Even scarcer is a Four Clear Margin example of the issue. The Penny Black had to be individually cut from sheets, rather than been torn out from perforated sheets as with modern day stamps. This means used examples with four clear margins surrounding the Penny Black stamp are much rarer and in turn are more sought after by collectors.

As a result of the continued demand, the last decade alone has seen the official Stanley Gibbons catalogue value for a fine used example of the Penny Black rise by 50%* - out-performing many other markets. With supply only continuing to reduce for the very best Four Margin Used versions, this demand is only expected to continue.

Key Issue Information:

• Released on 6th May 1840 the Penny Black is the world’s first official stamp
• In production for less than one year, with the final issue printed in February 1841
• Four clear margin used examples of the Penny Black are far scarcer than other used versions and are extremely sought after by collectors
• The Stanley Gibbons catalogue price for a fine used example of the Penny Black has seen a 50% rise over the last decade alone*
• Housed in Deluxe Presentation Folder with Certificate

*2015 Stanley Gibbons Catalogue price for fine used example