The Dawn of Postage Stamps
Identifying the earliest postage stamps requires a methodical approach and an understanding of nineteenth-century postal reforms. Before adhesive stamps, recipients paid for mail delivery upon receipt, which often resulted in refused mail. Sir Rowland Hill is credited with the idea of requiring prepayment of postage, verified by attaching a printed label to the letter.
When you encounter an extremely old stamp, visual indicators alone may not provide a definitive identification. Collectors can use digital tools like StampSnap to create a likely identification or collection record. However, verifying classic issues always requires careful physical examination of the design, paper, and printing characteristics using specialized philatelic tools.
How to Identify the 1840 Penny Black of Great Britain
Great Britain issued the world's very first postage stamp in 1840, nicknamed the Penny Black. To identify a genuine Penny Black, look for a portrait of Queen Victoria. Because Great Britain was the first nation to issue postage stamps, it is the only country permitted to omit its name. Instead, British stamps feature the image of the ruling monarch, which is frequently positioned in the upper right-hand corner.
The Penny Black originally cost one pence. Despite its status as the first postage stamp, it is not tremendously valuable because millions were used. A nice used copy can often be obtained by collectors for around $100, making it an accessible piece of postal history rather than an unattainable rarity.
How to Identify the First United States Postage Stamps
The United States followed Great Britain's lead, officially issuing its first two postage stamps on July 1, 1847. These stamps were printed by the engraving firm Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson. Unlike modern stamp releases, these early issues were not released in a specific city on their first day of release.
To identify these classic U.S. issues, look for two distinct designs. The five-cent red-brown stamp features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, who served as the first U.S. postmaster general. The ten-cent black stamp depicts George Washington. If you find a stamp matching these descriptions, close inspection is required to distinguish genuine 1847 issues from later reproductions.
Essential Tools for Examining Classic Stamps
Because many stamps appear to be nearly identical at first glance, close inspection is necessary to find the small differences that identify rare varieties. A magnifying glass is an indispensable tool for this task. Collectors should select a magnifying lens with at least 5x to 10x magnification that magnifies clearly without distortion, preferably one that folds into a case to prevent scratches.
Handling classic stamps with your bare hands can cause irreversible damage. No matter how well you wash your hands, natural oils from your skin will damage your stamps. Always use professional stamp tongs to handle dry stamps. Unlike household tweezers, stamp tongs feature a smooth gripping surface designed to handle delicate paper without leaving marks.
Using Reference Materials and Catalogs
A stamp catalog is a vital reference book filled with illustrations, descriptions, and historical data. Catalogs provide crucial information such as the exact date of issue, the printing method used, and the estimated values for both used and unused conditions. Many public libraries keep stamp catalogs in their reference sections, allowing you to consult them easily.
When you find a potential classic stamp, utilizing StampSnap can help you quickly log the item and create a likely identification or collection record. However, because physical condition, watermarks, and paper types heavily influence a stamp's identity, visual matching should always be paired with catalog research and professional expertizing.
Safe Storage and Preservation Methods
Once you have identified an early stamp, preserving its condition is paramount. Store your stamps in dedicated stamp albums or stock books to protect them. Stock books feature plastic or paper pockets that allow you to organize your collection freely. If you prefer traditional albums, choose those made with acid-free paper, and never use photo albums with sticky pages.
To secure stamps in an album, use specialized stamp hinges or mounts. Hinges are small, thin, folded pieces of translucent paper or plastic with a special gum on one side. Mounts are clear plastic sleeves. Never use household tape or glue to secure your stamps; these adhesives will destroy the paper, ruin the gum, and drastically decrease the stamp's value.
Frequently asked questions
What was the very first postage stamp ever issued?
The first postage stamp was the Penny Black, issued by Great Britain in 1840. It cost one pence and featured a portrait of Queen Victoria.
Why doesn't the Penny Black have the country's name on it?
Because Great Britain was the first country to issue postage stamps, it is uniquely permitted to omit its name from its stamps. Instead, British stamps are identified by the image of the ruling monarch.
Who is pictured on the first United States postage stamps?
The first two U.S. stamps, issued on July 1, 1847, feature Benjamin Franklin (on the five-cent red-brown stamp) and George Washington (on the ten-cent black stamp).
Can I use regular tweezers to handle old stamps?
No. You should use professional stamp tongs rather than household tweezers. Stamp tongs have a smooth gripping surface designed specifically to handle delicate stamps safely without causing damage.
How should I mount early stamps in an album?
You should use stamp hinges (thin, folded translucent paper or plastic with special gum) or clear plastic mounts. Never use household tape or glue, as they will damage the stamp and decrease its value.