After Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria has probably appeared on more stamp designs than any other person. From 1840 when the penny black was issued, right through her reign, there were (by my count) 63 designs - coincidentally one for each of the years of her reign!
When the Kings assumed the throne, Victoria did not appear until the 1940 stamp centenary issue, but in the Elizabethan era she appeared on many anniversary stamps.
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| 1970 set issued for the Philympia stamp exhibition |
The index to Gibbons
Great Britain Concise catalogue shows only two entries, for the 150th anniversary of her accession in 1987 and the House of Hanover in 2011. This (inconveniently for thematic collectors) ignores the double-head definitive stamps issued on several occasions, the anniversary of the 1d black etc, and the Birth Centenary issue of 2019.
It will be no surprise if the 2026 programme includes at least one set marking the 125th anniversary of her death aged 81 on 22 January 1901 - but why start with a set at the end of an already busy year, in the previously 'dead' period after the issue of Christmas stamps? Well with Christmas now starting in November it would mean that over 15% of the year didn't have any new stamp issues and rather than take philatelic staff off normal duties for operational work (because there aren't as many Christmas cards sent nowadays), Royal Mail have an extra stamp issue to keep them busy.
Anyway, this is their justification for this, actually rather good, set reminiscent of Philympia 1970!
In honour of Queen Victoria – Britain’s longest-reigning monarch of the 19th century and a defining figure of the modern age – Royal Mail presents a new issue of special stamps and collectibles that celebrate the pioneering spirit and enduring elegance of Victorian philately.
Curated in partnership with The Postal Museum, the set brings together eight of the most iconic stamps from her reign. Among them is the Penny Black of 1840, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, alongside classics such as the Twopenny Blue, Penny Red, and the distinctive ‘Jubilee’ issue of 1887. Together, they chart the evolution of design and innovation that helped revolutionise global communication.
Accompanying the main set is a miniature sheet inspired by Queen Victoria’s personal passion for photography. Featuring four evocative portraits of the monarch, it offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life and image of a queen whose likeness became emblematic of an empire.
Ah yes, the miniature sheet. More about that later.
The stamps
From the Penny Black of 1840 – the world’s first adhesive postage stamp – through to later classics such
as the Penny Red, Penny Lilac, and the elegant 4d ‘Jubilee’ of 1887, these stamps chart the evolution of
British philately during Queen Victoria’s reign. Each stamp features her unmistakable profile, a constant
presence across more than 60 years on the throne. The set includes:
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Penny Black (1840) – the groundbreaking first stamp
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Twopenny Blue (1841) and 6d Embossed (1854) – innovative early issues
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4d first letterpress, 1855 – which broke new ground in large scale production of stamps
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1s Small Letters (1862) and Penny Red (1864) – everyday workhorses of Victorian
correspondence
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Penny Lilac (1881) & 4d ‘Jubilee’ (1887) – colourful stamps from the later decades of her reign
An additional special feature of this set, which will delight philatelists, is the inclusion of a watermark
image on the reverse of each stamp. Watermarks were symbols such as crowns or cyphers pressed into
the paper of stamps to help identify them and prevent forgery. Each watermark corresponds to the era
in which the original Victorian stamp was issued.
Together, these eight First Class stamps capture the story of an era defined by progress, invention, and
a monarch whose image became synonymous with the very act of sending a letter.
A must-have for keen collectors, historians, and anyone fascinated by the origins of modern postage.
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| Set of 8 stamps showing stamps of Queen Victoria issued 27 November 2025. |
The watermarks as printed on the backs of the stamps; note I didn't split the strips so they are in reverse order. I believe the watermarks are also printed on the back of the stamps in the PSB.
Technical details etc.
The 8 x 1st class stamps were designed by Steers McGillan Eves (the 1970 set was designed by David Gentleman, so he deserves some credit!), and printed in two sheets of 48, in se-tenant strips of 4 by Cartor Security Printers in litho on gummed paper, perforation 14.
This is Royal Mail's write-up on the stamps, in the details provided to the Trade - and possibly in First and maybe in the presentation pack (I don't have one). There are some clear inaccuracies which even I - not by any means knowledgeable on Victorian stamps - can spot. The original 2d blue, for example, was issued with the 1d black in 1840 for heavier letters as stated. The GPO didn't wait until 1841 to realise that they could save on 1d blacks by selling 2d blues when a letter was heavier. It was the white lines which were added in 1841. Anyway, you will probably find others.
Penny Black, 1840
The world’s first adhesive postage stamp, issued in May 1840. Featuring a profile of Queen Victoria based on William Wyon’s City Medal, it revolutionised communication worldwide. Only used for a year before being replaced by the Penny Red, the Penny Black remains one of the most famous and sought-after stamps in philatelic history. Watermark: Small crown
Twopenny Blue, 1841
Introduced a year after the Penny Black, the Twopenny Blue offered a higher-value option for heavier letters. Its design also bore Victoria’s profile, and like the Penny Black, it was cancelled with the red Maltese Cross. Early examples with clear cancellations are highly prized by collectors. Watermark: Small crown
6d embossed, 1854
An innovative issue, the embossed series was the first to use colour to help differentiate values. The raised design gave the stamps a distinctive look, but embossing made them difficult to cut neatly from sheets — making well-centred examples particularly scarce today. Watermark: Block V R
4d first letterpress, 1855
The first surface-printed British stamp, marking a major change in production methods. Printed by De La Rue, it opened the door for more efficient, large-scale printing and introduced greater variety in design and denomination. Watermark: Small Garter
1s small letters, 1862
A high-value shilling stamp featuring Victoria’s portrait in green. Known for its intricate engine-turned background, it was often used on overseas mail. The “small letters” in the corners distinguish it from later variations, making it a fascinating study piece for collectors. Watermark: Heraldic emblems
Penny Red, 1864
Replacing the Penny Black in 1841, the Penny Red was issued in huge numbers for everyday use. The 1864 version introduced letters in all four corners to combat forgery and aid identification. With countless plate variations, it remains a favourite among specialists. Watermark: Large crown
Penny Lilac, 1881
Issued following changes in postal rates, the Penny Lilac replaced the Penny Red as the standard definitive. Its lilac shade symbolised half-mourning, fitting for a monarch still grieving Prince Albert. Widely used until the end of Victoria’s reign, it remains a Victorian classic. Watermark: Imperial crown
4d Jubilee, 1887
Part of the colourful Jubilee series issued to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. These stamps broke from tradition by introducing two-colour printing and bolder designs. The 4d green and brown issue is one of the most recognisable and collectable of the set. Watermark: Imperial crown
Collectors Sheet
Bringing together ten stamps from the issue in self-adhesive form, the sheet is enhanced with carefully selected images which help tell the story of each iconic design including first dies, trial prints, essays and diagrams.
From the revolutionary Penny Black and Twopenny Blue to later classics such as the Penny Red, Penny Lilac and Jubilee issue, each stamp is paired with historic imagery that places it in its original context. The backdrop of a Penny Black sheet underlines Queen Victoria’s enduring association with the birth of postage stamps.
A striking way to enjoy the artistry and history of Britain’s first definitive monarch on stamps — an ideal keepsake for philatelists and admirers of royal history alike.
Note: the Collector Sheet stamps and labels are self-adhesive and lithography, this makes the stamps in the Collector Sheet different from those printed in the set.
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Collectors Sheet of 10 x 1st class stamps, the set of 8 and extra 1d black & 2d blue with
labels showing more stamps, essays and rejected designs, listed below. |
Label designs, from top left: Rejected first die black, January 1840; Twopenny Blue proof, January 1841; 10d embossed design 1847; 1s letterpress essay, 1856; 1s large corner letters, purple, 1880; Diagram explaining corner letters, 1862; Penny lilac colour trial, 1881; 1s Jubilee colour trial 1887; Rejected first die blue, January 1840; Rainbow trial, September 1840.
Special Stamp (not a Retail-) Booklet
A new commemorative stamp booklet in honour of the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black - issued on 6th May 1840. Contains four self-adhesive First Class stamps which reprise the original Penny Black stamp. Featuring a profile of Queen Victoria based on William Wyon’s City Medal, it revolutionised communication worldwide and remains one of the most famous and sought-after stamps in philatelic history.
Print: these booklets are printed in gravure and self-adhesive, unlike the sheet stamps which are printed in litho and with ordinary gum.
There is no barcode on the reverse of this black-covered booklet making it unsuitable for retail sale. Unlike the ACDC booklet there is no FSC logo or copyright notice making it blacker than the earlier one!
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| Scan of actual 'special' book showing cylinder numbers C1 x6 issued 27 November 2025 |
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| Perhaps they are just making it easier for the Chinese forgers? |
Miniature Sheet
Reinforcing the odd nature and timing of this issue which, let me remind you, is entitled 'The Stamps of Queen Victoria' is this miniature sheet showing photographs of Queen Victoria by various photographers at different times, as detailed below the picture.
"Inspired by Queen Victoria’s personal love of photography, this elegant miniature sheet presents a rare glimpse into the life of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch of the 19th century.
"The sheet features four evocative First Class stamps, each drawn from period photographs capturing Victoria at different stages of her reign — from a young queen in the 1850s to the dignified matriarch of empire in her later years. Alongside the stamps sits a striking portrait of Victoria in her Diamond Jubilee regalia, framed in a decorative border that reflects the artistry of the age."
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| Queen Victoria miniature sheet issued 27 November 2025 |
Technical details and acknowledgements
The 115 x 89 mm miniature sheet is designed by Steers McGillan Eves and printed by Cartor Security Printers in litho with conventional gum. The 27 x 37 mm stamps are perf 14.
Acknowledgements: all images © Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd 2025/Royal Collection Trust, as follows: photograph of seated Queen Victoria holding a portrait of Prince Albert by Bryan Edward Duppa, 1854 (print by Gustav William Henry Mullins, 1889); photograph of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert by Roger Fenton, 1854 (print by Gustav William Henry Mullins, 1889); photograph of Queen Victoria standing behind a chair by W & D Downey, 1885; photograph of Queen Victoria at her desk by W & D Downey, 1896; border image: photograph of Queen Victoria by Alexander Bassano, 1882
Prestige Stamp Book
Combining the stamps-on-stamps set and miniature sheet of photographs, the prestige book also contains a pane of King Charles III definitive 1p, 1p, 2p & £3.40 stamps which have security codes M25L MPIL.
"Inside, readers will discover a fascinating editorial written by historian Dr Helen Rappaport, exploring the many facets of Victoria’s extraordinary life: her sheltered childhood at Kensington Palace; her accession to the throne as a determined young queen of just 18; her marriage to Prince Albert and their pioneering embrace of photography; and the birth of the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black.
"The book also brings to life moments of national pride and change — from the Great Exhibition and the Crimean War to her long widowhood at Balmoral and her triumphant Golden and Diamond Jubilees. Through carefully chosen images and insightful narrative, the story of Victoria is told not only as a monarch, but as a woman, wife and mother whose reign defined an era.
Print: Panes 1, 2 & 3 are printed in Litho & PVA Gum. Pane 4 is printed in Gravure, Litho & Self-Adhesive. "
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| Queen Victoria PSB cover |
Products available
Set of 8, miniature sheet, first day covers* (2), presentation pack, special stamp book, postcards, collector sheet, PSB, press sheet of 15 miniature sheets in an edition of 200, framed set of stamps, framed Collectors sheet, £5 UNC coin cover, £5 silver proof and £5 gold proof covers (editions 10,000, 750 and 50 respectively).
The set of 8 are sold in two sheets of 48 and of 24.
*UPDATE 24 November. For the first time that any of us can remember, on the official Royal Mail first day covers for this se-tenant stamps set the stamps have been separated. (My thanks to RB for pointing this out.)
Royal Mail explained: "we encountered some issues with the tooling for our high-speed affixers as this strip format is unusual, so to keep the whole schedule moving, at a critical time of year (for S&C,
Royal Mail and RM Engineering), we affixed them as singles. "
So if you want a first day cover of the stamps in strips as issued, you will need to do your own!
