06 August 2025
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The Two Penny Blue is the world’s second postage stamp. It was issued in 1840, 5 days after the Penny Black was issued on 1 May.
The Penny Black is often focused on because it was the original stamp but what about the Two Penny Blue? Overall, it is considered rarer than the Penny Black. So, what is it worth? And where did it come from?
The History of Two Penny Blue Stamp
The stamp featured the portrait of Queen Victoria designed by Rowland Hill. Except for its amount, the design of both ‘penny’ stamps was the same. The stamps were printed on gummed greyish white paper. Handmade by Stacey Wise because the perforation machine had not been invented until 1854.
Even the very first stamps in the world differed from one another. They were printed from different plates and appeared in various shades of blue.
To prevent the reuse of these stamps, the Post Office designed a cancellation mark. This became known to collectors as the Maltese Cross, even though it has nothing to do with the symbol of the Knights of the Order of Malta. The mark resembled the Tudor rose.
Many people were able to remove the cancellation mark to reuse the stamp. And thus began the ‘Rainbow Trials.’ The Two Penny Blue was revised to a darker blue ink.
As the printed stamps in the new ink looked the same as the original, a horizontal line was added at the top and bottom of the label so new printings could be recognised. This second version is more common than the original 1840 printing.
Images: Michael Kogan (www.paleophilatelie.eu)
What is the Two Penny Blue Stamp Worth?
The Two Penny Blue is 10 times rarer than the Penny Black. The Westminster Collection is selling an example of the original 1840 stamp for £325. They are considered rarer because they were only in production for less than a year, only small quantities were ever produced.
Examples of the later issue are less valuable at the time being. With the stamp selling between £10-£15.
The values range dramatically depending on the usage and condition of the stamp. Good used examples can be found for just under £200, with some rarer varieties reaching higher prices. Mint examples can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds and strips of stamps can be even more valuable than that.
One example found on eBay was the Two Penny blue stamp with the red Maltese Cross marked on it. It sold for £81.80. Most recently sold Two Penny Blue stamps vary in price between £50-£150.
It may be worth holding onto your stamps to see if the value increases. Unless you know you have a rare example then get it to the auction!
Explore our other articles about Victoria Stamps here:
How to collect Penny Black stamps
Your guide to Penny Red stamps
Explore the world of stamp collecting with our magazine Stamp Collector inc Coin Collector available now!
Images: Michael Kogan (www.paleophilatelie.eu)