PENNY BLACK Meaning and
Definition
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The term "penny black" refers to a specific type of postage stamp that was first issued in the United Kingdom in 1840. It is considered the world's first adhesive postage stamp and is highly regarded for its historical significance.
The name "penny black" originates from the stamp's black color and its value of one penny, which was the standard rate for the postage of letters within the country at the time. It was designed by Sir Rowland Hill, a British postal reformer, as part of his plan to simplify the postal system and make it more affordable and accessible to the general public.
The penny black stamp features the silhouette of Queen Victoria's head, facing to the left, and is surrounded by an ornamental line. The stamp's design also incorporates the words "Postage" and "One Penny" to indicate its value. It was printed on a small piece of paper with perforated edges to allow for easy separation.
The issuance of the penny black stamp revolutionized the postal service by introducing a standardized and pre-paid method of postage. It quickly gained popularity and was widely used, making it a symbol of the modernization of the mail system. Today, the penny black stamp is highly sought after by collectors and philatelists due to its rarity and historical significance.
Common Misspellings for PENNY BLACK
- oenny black
- lenny black
- 0enny black
- pwnny black
- psnny black
- pdnny black
- prnny black
- p4nny black
- p3nny black
- pebny black
- pemny black
- pejny black
- pehny black
- penby black
- penmy black
- penjy black
- penhy black
- pennt black
- penng black
- pennh black
Etymology of PENNY BLACK
The term "penny black" originated from the combination of two words: "penny" and "black".
- Penny: The word "penny" is derived from the Old English word "pening" and the Proto-Germanic word "panningaz". It referred to a small unit of currency, typically the smallest denomination of a coin used in Britain.
- Black: The word "black" simply refers to the color of the stamp itself.
The combination of the two words came about because the "penny black" was the world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued by the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840. It featured a black background with a profile of Queen Victoria in a white oval at the center, hence the name "penny black". This stamp was revolutionary as it standardized postage rates, prepayment, and helped simplify postal services.
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