Penny Red Stamp Guide

The red Maltese Cross cancellation used on the Penny Black could sometimes be removed or lightened, allowing dishonest reuse of stamps. A black cancellation was more durable and harder to disguise, but it was almost invisible against a black stamp.

The solution was a red-brown stamp that would show a black cancellation clearly. Some early Penny Reds were printed from the same plates previously used for Penny Blacks, which is one reason close study of early examples can be particularly interesting to specialists.

Imperforate Penny Red, 1841 to 1854: These stamps have no perforations; they were cut from the sheet by the postal clerk or purchaser. A collectible example is usually assessed by its margins — four clear margins are desirable, but narrow or cut margins are common. Early examples normally have stars in the upper corners and check letters in the lower corners. Many were printed on more or less blued paper with a Small Crown watermark. Plate identification can be a specialist study and should not be attempted from a poor-quality image.

Perforated Penny Red with stars, 1854 to 1864: Perforations were introduced for easier separation. Early perforated issues may be perforation 16; perforation 14 became the more practical standard. Upper corners still contain stars and lower corners contain letters. Small Crown and later Large Crown watermarks occur. Perforation, watermark, die and paper differences can all affect identification and vary across this period.

Penny Red with plate numbers, 1864 to 1879: Letters appear in all four corners. A small plate number is engraved in the side framework on both sides of the stamp. These issues normally have a Large Crown watermark and perforation 14. Issued plate numbers run through much of the range from 71 to 225, but not every prepared plate produced normally issued stamps. Plate numbers should be read from clear high-resolution images and checked carefully.

Check whether the stamp is imperforate or perforated. This is the first step in placing it within the correct main type.

Look at the upper corners: stars indicate an earlier design; letters in all four corners indicate the later plate-number design.

Check both side frameworks for a small engraved plate number on later issues.

Measure the perforation rather than estimating it visually — a perforation gauge gives a more reliable result.

Examine the watermark carefully and safely using appropriate equipment.

Record the lower corner letters — they identify the exact sheet position.

Examine the cancellation and overall condition, noting any faults.

Compare the stamp with a recognised specialised catalogue or seek expert advice for potentially scarce material.

Margins: Important on imperforate stamps. Cutting into the design reduces desirability, while unusually large or balanced margins can be attractive.

Perforations: Look for complete, natural perforations. Trimmed perforations, reperforation or damaged teeth can affect identification and condition assessment.

Plate number: On later issues, the plate number is small and can be difficult to read. It appears within the side lattice on both sides of the stamp.

Watermark: Early issues generally use the Small Crown; the Large Crown appeared during the perforated period. Identify carefully and safely.

Colour and paper: Penny Reds exist in many red-brown, brown-red, rose-red and related shades. Colour names should not be assigned confidently from online photographs because lighting, scanning and fading can mislead.

Cancellation: Maltese Cross, numeral and other postal cancellations can add interest. A heavy cancellation may hide important design details, while a scarce or well-struck cancellation may itself be collectible.

Condition: Check for thinning, tears, creases, stains, repairs, added margins, reperforation and cancellation removal. Mint examples require careful assessment of gum and possible regumming.

Covers: A Penny Red still on its original envelope or wrapper may preserve postal information that is lost when the stamp is removed. Do not detach it without specialist advice.

Most Penny Reds are not rare. They were produced and used in enormous quantities, and common used examples remain widely available.

Value and collector interest can change considerably according to: exact issue and plate, margins or perforations, watermark and paper, shade, cancellation, mint or used condition, faults or repairs, multiples, use on an original cover, and recognised scarce varieties.

Marketplace asking prices are not proof of value. Compare like with like and seek specialist advice before making claims about a potentially important stamp.