The Penny Black is undoubtedly the most iconic postage stamp ever printed and I have always thought it quite remarkable that Rowland Hill and his committee got it right from the very start. Comparison of the Penny Black with all UK definitives issued since shows a printed image of a very similar type in size, design and concept - even absence of the name of the issuing country. No wonder it is such an enduring item. For those owning a Penny Black we can offer a fine range of publications detailing much about this stamp. It was issued from 11 different printing plates and using various books - all usually available from this website it is possible to tell from which plate yours was printed - and why not - those printed from certain plates are much more valuable than others. Other books tell of the plate varieties and other aspects.
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