Stamp collecting stamp collecting began at the same time that stamps were first issued, and by 1860 thousands of collectors and stamp dealers were appearing around the world as this new study and hobby spread across Europe, European colonies, the United States and other parts of the world. The first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued by Britain in May 1840 and pictured a young Queen Victoria. It was produced without perforations (imperforate) and consequently had to be cut from the sheet with scissors in order to be used. While unused examples of the Penny Black are quite scarce, used examples
Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp The Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp was prepared for issue in June 1921 but cancelled shortly before issue due to political unrest and the controversial subject matter. By some estimates 416,000 stamps were printed and sent to the island in the form of three shipments. The first two consignments got to Jamaica around the same time and were incinerated at the General Penitentiary in Kingston on July 2, 1921. The final consignment arriving in October was similarly destroyed. The Crown Agents were then instructed to destroy the 7220 stamps held in