Royal Mail has issued a miniature sheet of stamps to mark the 175th anniversary of the Penny Black – the world’s first postage stamp on 6 May 2015. The first Penny Black stamps went on sale on 1 May 1840, but were not valid for use until 6 May 1840The one penny stamp of 1840 would cost *£3.07 in today’s terms. The introduction of the Penny Black was the first time that postage was paid by the sender of a letter – it had previously been paid by the recipient. It was also the first time that a flat fee, based on weight, was charged regardless of the distance the item was being sent within the UK.
