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1990 Isle of Man 1/5 oz Penny Black Proof Gold 1/5 Crown Coin
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1990 Isle of Man 1/5 oz Penny Black Proof Gold 1/5 Crown Coin
Celebrate a landmark in postal and numismatic history with the 1990 Isle of Man 1/5 oz Penny Black Proof Gold 1/5 Crown Coin. Struck by the Pobjoy Mint for the Isle of Man, this elegant proof coin contains 1/5 troy ounce of .999 fine gold and honors the 150th anniversary of the Penny Black, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. Blending artistry and history, this collectible stands as a tribute to one of the most important innovations in modern communication.
Issued in 1840, the Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, conceived by British social reformer Sir Rowland Hill as part of a sweeping postal reform. Before its introduction, mail costs were often borne by recipients and priced according to distance, making correspondence expensive and inconsistent. Hill’s innovation simplified postage to a uniform penny rate, prepaid by affixing a stamp, allowing efficient delivery across the United Kingdom.
The Penny Black depicted a youthful Queen Victoria, her image engraved by Charles Heath and his apprentice Frederick Heath, based on a sketch by Henry Corbould. This simple yet elegant stamp democratized mail service, enabling everyday citizens to communicate affordably, and laid the groundwork for modern postal systems worldwide. Even after being replaced by the Penny Red in 1841, the Penny Black remains a treasured icon of philately and Victorian-era progress.
Coin Specifications:
- Limited mintage of 5,000
- Contains 1/5 troy oz of .999 pure gold
- Proof Finish
- Denomination of 1/5 Crown
- Struck by the Pobjoy Mint
- Obverse: Features the right-facing, crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II, with surrounding inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II”, “ISE OF MAN”, and “1990”.
- Reverse: portrays the image of a Penny Black postage stamp featuring the effigy of Queen Victoria. Inscriptions included: “PENNY BLACK”, “150th”, “ANNIVERSARY”, and “1/5 CROWN”.
A superb blend of history and craftsmanship, the 1990 Isle of Man 1/5 oz Penny Black Proof Gold 1/5 Crown Coin offers collectors and investors a unique way to celebrate the legacy of the world’s first postage stamp. Its pure gold content, elegant proof finish, and cultural significance make it an exceptional addition to any numismatic or philatelic collection. Secure yours today at Bullion Exchanges and own a timeless homage to communication’s golden age.
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