Designed by Steers McGillan Eves, and printed by Cartor Security Printers. Issued 27 November 2025. From the Royal Mail:
“Eight Special Stamps showcasing the origins and evolution of the world’s first adhesive postage stamps. From the iconic Penny Black to the striking 4d Jubilee, marking the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession, this commemorative collection brings together some of the most significant innovations in philatelic history. A celebration of the craft and ingenuity that revolutionised Britain’s postal service. Each stamp features a reverse-side watermark reproduced from the original Victorian issue, adding a unique philatelic touch and historical authenticity to the set.”
“Inspired by Queen Victoria’s personal love of photography, [the] 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 an empire in her later years. The stamps are set against a sepia-coloured backdrop with an enlarged portrait of Queen Victoria framed in a decorative border that reflects the artistry of the age.”
Great Britain