The history of stamps in postal services dates back to the early 19th century. Before the introduction of postage stamps, letters were typically paid for by the recipient upon delivery, which often led to confusion and delays in the mail delivery process. In an effort to streamline postal services and improve efficiency, the first adhesive postage stamp was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1840. Known as the Penny Black, this iconic stamp featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and was designed by Sir Rowland Hill, a social reformer who advocated for postal reform. The Penny Black revolutionized the way mail was sent and paid for, as it allowed senders to prepay for postage by affixing a stamp to their letter.
