How much is a Penny Black worth today?
John Hall
Updated on April 11, 2026
However, in 2019, a Penny Black can cost as little as £15 to £30 if it’s in poor to reasonable condition. You might have to pay between £40 to £150 for a specimen of better quality, whereas a fine used example could fetch around £250 to £400.
Are Penny Black stamps valuable?
Penny Blacks can cost anywhere between $100-350 for an example in good condition. However, mint Penny Blacks may fetch upwards of $3000 at auction. Other than its condition, there are other factors that can affect the value of a Penny Black.
Why is the Penny Black so expensive?
The first ever adhesive postage stamp was released on 1st May 1840 by Sir Rowland Hill and Henry Cole in the United Kingdom. This stamp, known as the Penny Black, was designed to make postage cheaper and simpler and was a method quickly embraced around the world.
Where is the plate number on a Penny Black?
The plate numbers appeared in the sheet margin at the bottom left and right hand corners.
How rare is a blue penny?
Rarity and the Two Penny Blue stamp’s value With just under 6.5million Two Penny Blues entering production, these stamps are far from rare. But they’re still ten times scarcer than the Penny Black, which enjoyed a 68 million one-year print run.
How much is a penny Purple worth?
Not very much. The 1881 1p lilac was issued in two types – with 14 dots in each corner and with 16 dots in each corner. The 14 dot type is fairly scarce and has a catalogue value of $32.50 U.S. However, although the 16 dot type has a catalogue value of $2.00, it’s found in most collections.
How do you date a Penny Black?
| Penny Black | |
|---|---|
| Date of issue | 1 May 1840–February 1841 |
| Printer | Perkins Bacon, London, UK |
| Perforation | None |
| Depicts | Queen Victoria |
How much does it cost to buy a Penny Black?
On average £30 to £50 will buy a “reasonable” penny black, while “nice” ones might cost £80 to £150. Mint examples are notably more valuable, and prices can vary enourmously for these.
Where do you find the Penny Black Stamps?
For years, Penny Black stamps lay safely hidden in the filing cabinets of banks and solicitors all over the country. When the cabinets were eventually emptied many years later, the value of Penny Black stamps was already appreciated and many were sold as collectors items.
When was the Penny Black first used in the UK?
Although he put forward his idea in 1837, it was not until three years later on 1 May 1840 that the Penny Black was first issued in Great Britain – even though it was not valid for use until 6 May. Featuring a profile of Queen Victoria, the Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp to be used in a public postal system.
How much does a penny red stamp cost?
By contrast, a used Penny Red can cost as little as £1.50. Penny Black stamps sold in presentation folders, with certificates of authenticity tend to be priced at well above market rates.
