Prior to the introduction of the Penny Black, the cost of sending mail was paid by the recipient on delivery. The costs was based on the distance travelled and the number of sheets of paper used, making the system both inefficient and prone to abuse. As a result there were high rates of unpaid postage and mail fraud.

In attempt to simplify the process of sending mail, Sir Rowland Hill proposed a new system of standardised postage rates featuring a prepaid adhesive stamp. The resulting Penny Black allowed letters weighing up to half an ounce (14 grams) to be delivered for one penny, regardless of the distance travelled. This made sending mail more accessible and affordable, leading to a significant increase in postal traffic and the growth of the postal service.

The approved design for the Penny Black featured a portrait of Queen Victoria in profile, based on a sketch of her aged 15, along with the words "POSTAGE" and "ONE PENNY" on a black background. Engraved by Charles Heath, the stamp also included decorative corner designs and a Maltese cross in the upper corners.

Printed by Perkins, Bacon & Co. in sheets of 240 stamps, the Penny Black stamp was made available to purchase on May 1, 1840, although it was not valid for use until the 6 May. However, the stamp’s black colour made it difficult to see the red cancellation mark, leading to concerns about reuse and fraud. In response, the Penny Black was replaced by the Penny Red stamp in 1841, which featured a red colour and a clearer black cancellation mark. Nevertheless, over 68 million Penny Blacks were printed of which over a million have survived.