Introduced in 1840
Part of the pioneering generation of British adhesive postage stamps.
A classic of Victorian postal history
Two pence.
A story in blue.
Meet the Two Penny Blue, also known as the Twopenny Blue: one of Britain's first adhesive postage stamps, introduced in May 1840.
Discover its story
1840
A blue companion to the Penny Black
Why was a two-penny stamp needed?
The Penny Black covered the postage for a letter weighing up to half an ounce. For letters weighing more than half an ounce and up to one ounce, the charge was two pence.
The Two Penny Blue provided a convenient way to pay that higher rate. Together, these early stamps helped put prepaid postage into everyday use.
The Two Penny Blue at a glance
Queen Victoria
Its portrait and overall design closely resembled the Penny Black.
Two pence
The inscription at the bottom read “TWO PENCE” instead of “ONE PENNY”.
The detail that marks a new chapter
The revised 1841 Two Penny Blue used a new blue ink to help prevent stamps being reused. White lines above and below the portrait distinguished it from the original 1840 design.
Look closely, discover more
Compare the lettering, blue colour and cancellation marks. Can you spot the white lines? These small details make a useful starting point for exploring different issues.
Historical reference: The Postal Museum's Twopenny Blue history .
Continue your journey through postal history
Small stamps can open the door to fascinating stories. Visit the Ipswich Stamp Museum website to find out more.
Explore Ipswich Stamp Museum