Great Britain

Great Britain:

The first stamps ever conceived and printed were by The United Kingdom, (UK) in 1840. “The Penny Black” with the image of a young Queen Victoria printed in black and “untitled”, meaning that there was no country of origin on the stamp, was experimental. There was no certainty that the concept of sticking the receipt of service payment onto the carried envelope through the mail would take on. However, it was an instant success with eleven printings of the stamp made in the first year.

By 1841, many countries had taken to the idea and stamps were being printed by several countries around the world. Nevertheless, because Great Britain was the first and only country to issue such “receipts”, the tradition of not designating the country on their stamps persists to this day. However, it is not hard to distinguish an issue from the UK because the other tradition of placing the monarch of the day on the stamp also persists. Later issues from the UK retained the monarch in a corner of the design whilst illustrating commemorations, images, anniversaries, etc.

Finally, the UK also issues what are called “Regional” stamps. These are: England, Northern Island, Scotland,  Wales and constitute all the devolved parts of the “British Isles”.