British Penny Red
Also known as: Penny Red
Well documentedSupported by multiple reputable specialist catalogues or publications.
Period
1841–1879
Issuing entity
United KingdomAdhesive postage stamp of the United Kingdom in red, which succeeded the Penny Black and remained in use, through several printings, for nearly four decades.
Historical context
The change of colour followed difficulties in cancelling the Penny Black legibly; the red ink allowed a black cancellation to show clearly.
Physical characteristics
- Denomination
- One penny
Technical characteristics
- Printing
- Line-engraved
- Perforation
- Imperforate at first, later perforated
Design
- Design
- Profile of Queen Victoria after the Wyon City Medal
Identification
- Corner letters
- Check letters in the lower corners, later in all four corners, identify the plate position
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Plate numbers and printing periods to be transcribed from a verified specialist catalogue
- Catalogue numbers not yet transcribed from a verified edition