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 their possession along with about 740 stamps distributed via the Universal Postal Union. Two blocks of four were preserved; one block being given to King George V while the other became part of the official collection held at the General Post Office in Kingston. This block mysteriously disappeared from the Post Office's vaults and reappeared sometime later as four singles. As the stamp was so close to issuance, specimens were sent to the Universal Postal Union as usual, a number of which survive. Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp The Jamaica 6d abolition of slavery postage stamp was prepared