On May 6th 1840, the world's first adhesive postage stamp went on public sale at post offices through-out Britain. The intention was to indicate pre-payment of mail. Prior to this, most mail was paid for by the recipient. This new system proved extremely popular, communications has so improved that the letters carried by the end of 1840 had more than doubled from the previous year (and within 10 years of 1840 the amount of mail skyrocketed to 350 million pieces, from about 75,000 in 1839).

Although many security devices were incorporated into this first stamp, such as :the use of specially watermarked paper, an engine turned background, a super clear engraving of Queen Victoria and a lettering system that would identify each individual postage stamp on a sheet, it was noted that the Post Office was loosing considerable income, as people were reusing the stamps by washing off the postmarks (usually black) using a variety of chemicals.

What was needed was a non - black stamp, but where a black postmark could be successfully applied so as to prevent potential fraud. And so, on January 17th, 1841 (although announced for February 10th 1841) a new One Penny Red was introduced, using the exact sample plate pictures as on the Penny Black. This new stamp eventually cut out the reuse situation. All with heavy black postmarks offered two ways; on original envelopes and the raw stamps alone.