Penny Lilac: The Iconic Dual-Purpose Stamp of Queen Victoria
In the history of British philately, few stamps are as ubiquitous as the Penny Lilac. Issued during the late Victorian era, this stamp marked a significant shift in how the United Kingdom handled its postal and financial administration, moving away from single-use labels toward a more versatile system.
First appearing on July 12, 1881, the Penny Lilac served as the primary one-penny postage and revenue stamp for the UK until 1901. Its introduction was not merely an aesthetic choice but a legal necessity driven by the Customs and Inland Revenue Act 1881. This legislation required new stamps that could function as both postage and revenue stamps—labels used to pay taxes or fees on legal documents—leading to the inscription "POSTAGE AND INLAND REVENUE" on the stamp's face.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Production Period: July 12, 1881, to 1901.
- Face Value: 1d (one penny).
- Primary Figure: Queen Victoria.
- Key Innovation: First single stamp valid for both postage and inland revenue.
- Design Shift: Moved from a rectangular format to an oval design.
- Total Volume: Billions of copies were printed, making it one of the most common stamps of the era.
Design and Evolution
The Penny Lilac represented a bold departure from four decades of tradition. While its predecessors—the Penny Black, Penny Red, and Penny Venetian Red—all featured rectangular designs, the Penny Lilac adopted an oval design. This style was adapted from revenue stamps that had been in use in Britain since the early 1860s.
The choice of lilac color also set a new precedent. Starting in 1884, the use of lilac was extended to other low-value definitive stamps (standard stamps issued for a long period), while green was reserved for higher-value issues.
Technical Specifications: Die I vs. Die II
The Penny Lilac was a surface-printed stamp produced in two distinct versions, known as "dies." These versions are distinguished by the number of dots located in the corners of the design:
- Die I: Issued from July 12, 1881, featuring 14 dots in each corner. Approximately 495,984,000 were issued.
- Die II: Issued from December 13, 1881, through 1901, featuring 16 dots in each corner. This version saw massive production, with 33,600,000,000 issued.
The Phenomenon of Perfins
Collectors often encounter Penny Lilacs as perfins. A perfin is a mint stamp that has had initials or a company insignia punched into the paper using small perforations. This practice became widespread in Britain during the 1860s as a security measure; because the perforations damaged the stamp, they could not be redeemed for cash at a post office, thereby discouraging employee theft.
Summary of the Penny Lilac
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country of Production | Great Britain |
| Issue Date | July 12, 1881 |
| Face Value | 1d |
| Design Shape | Oval |
| Die I Quantity | 495,984,000 |
| Die II Quantity | 33,600,000,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Penny Lilac created?
It was created to comply with the Customs and Inland Revenue Act 1881, which required a single stamp that could be used for both postage and inland revenue purposes.
How does the Penny Lilac differ from the Penny Red?
Unlike the rectangular Penny Red, the Penny Lilac featured an oval design and was inscribed "POSTAGE AND INLAND REVENUE" rather than just "POSTAGE."
What is the difference between Die I and Die II?
Die I stamps have 14 dots in each corner, while Die II stamps have 16 dots in each corner.
What are perfins on a Penny Lilac stamp?
Perfins are perforated initials or logos added to the stamp to prevent theft, as they made the stamps non-redeemable for cash.
How many Penny Lilac stamps were produced?
Between Die I and Die II, over 34 billion stamps were issued, with Die II accounting for the vast majority of the volume.