Plating your Penny Black - Where to Start?

Identifying the printing plate of a Penny Black stamp is one of the most rewarding challenges in philately. Though all Penny Blacks look similar at first glance, subtle differences in design and engraving allow collectors to determine which of the eleven plates (numbered 1 to 11) a particular stamp came from. Here's how to get started.

The first and most essential step is to examine the corner letters. Each Penny Black stamp has two letters in the lower corners—one on the left and one on the right. These letters indicate the stamp’s position on the sheet, which consisted of 240 stamps arranged in 20 rows (A to T) and 12 columns (A to L). For example, a stamp marked “A A” was the top-left stamp on the sheet, while “T L” was the bottom-right. While the letter combinations themselves don’t identify the plate, their precise positioning within the squares does. Since the corner letters were hand-punched into the plates, their alignment, tilt, and spacing vary slightly from plate to plate.

Next, look at the stars in the upper corners. These decorative elements also differ subtly between plates. The number of rays, their sharpness, and the spacing can help narrow down the plate number. For instance, Plate 1 is known for having less defined stars, while later plates show more consistent engraving.

Another key feature is the “O flaw”, a small defect that appears in the letter “O” of “ONE PENNY” on some stamps from Plate 1. This flaw was corrected in later states of the plate, so its presence or absence can help distinguish between Plate 1a and Plate 1b.

You’ll also want to check for guide line flaws, re-entries, and retouching marks. These are minor imperfections or enhancements made during the plate’s production or repair. For example, a re-entry occurs when the transfer roller was rocked into the plate more than once, causing doubled lines or frame elements. These flaws are often unique to specific plates or even specific positions on a plate.

To aid your identification, it’s helpful to use a plating guide or online database. One such resource allows you to search by corner letters and compare your stamp to high-resolution images of known examples from each plate. Matching your stamp’s corner letters and design features to these references can often pinpoint the exact plate.

Finally, invest in a good magnifying glass or digital microscope. The differences between plates are often minute, and a clear, close-up view is essential. Lighting also matters—angled light can reveal engraving depth and flaws more clearly.

Plating Penny Blacks is a blend of art and science. It requires patience, a keen eye, and a bit of detective work. But once you’ve successfully identified your first plate, you’ll understand why so many collectors find it so addictive. It’s like solving a tiny, beautifully printed mystery from the 1840s.