What was the 'Penny Black'?

The 'Penny Black' is recognized as the world's first adhesive postage stamp, issued in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840. It revolutionized the postal system by allowing individuals to prepay for the delivery of mail, which greatly simplified and expedited communication. With the Penny Black, mail could be sent without needing to pay at the time of delivery, which was a significant advancement in postal services.

This stamp featured a profile of Queen Victoria and was initially used to cover the cost of sending letters that weighed up to half an ounce. Its introduction marked the beginning of a system where the sender, rather than the recipient, would pay for postage, making it easier and more convenient for people to communicate over distances.

The other options refer to different historical items and events that do not relate to the postal system. Gold coins, currency notes, and printed newspapers have their own significance in British history, but they do not pertain to the creation of a postage stamp as the Penny Black does. Understanding this context highlights the Penny Black's role in changing how people interacted and conducted business through mail, thereby setting a foundation for the modern postal service we rely on today.