Halfpenny Rose Red
Encyclopedia
The Halfpenny Rose Red, first issued on 1 October 1870, was the first halfpenny postage stamp
issued in the United Kingdom
.
The halfpenny stamp was introduced following a reduction in the postal rate for newspapers and postcards and is notable for being the smallest UK postage stamp ever issued. The stamps (nicknamed 'Bantams' due to their small size) were printed in sheets of 480 (20 horizontal rows of 24 stamps). They were line engraved and featured a bust of
Queen Victoria
in profile with '½d' on either side.
A plate number was engraved in the design, in the left and right side lace work. The plates were numbered from 1 to 20, but plates 2, 7, 16, 17, and 18 were not completed, plates 21 and 22 were not used and plate 9 is now scarce because it was a rarely used reserve plate. The stamps were watermarked with the word "halfpenny" that extended across three stamps.
The stamp was replaced in 1880 by the surface printed Halfpenny Green stamp.
Postage stamp
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage. Typically, stamps are made from special paper, with a national designation and denomination on the face, and a gum adhesive on the reverse side...
issued in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was the formal name of the United Kingdom during the period when what is now the Republic of Ireland formed a part of it....
.
The halfpenny stamp was introduced following a reduction in the postal rate for newspapers and postcards and is notable for being the smallest UK postage stamp ever issued. The stamps (nicknamed 'Bantams' due to their small size) were printed in sheets of 480 (20 horizontal rows of 24 stamps). They were line engraved and featured a bust of
Queen Victoria
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
in profile with '½d' on either side.
A plate number was engraved in the design, in the left and right side lace work. The plates were numbered from 1 to 20, but plates 2, 7, 16, 17, and 18 were not completed, plates 21 and 22 were not used and plate 9 is now scarce because it was a rarely used reserve plate. The stamps were watermarked with the word "halfpenny" that extended across three stamps.
The stamp was replaced in 1880 by the surface printed Halfpenny Green stamp.
See also
- List of British postage stamps
- Postage stamps and postal history of Great BritainPostage stamps and postal history of Great BritainPostage stamps and postal history of Great Britain surveys postal history from the United Kingdom and the postage stamps issued by that country and its various historical territories until the present day....