The Postal Museum What's on The King’s Stamp

The King’s Stamp

8 February - 3 September 2023
The Postal Museum
Included in museum ticket

The first and only chance to see a sheet of King Charles III’s definitive stamps, before they are released on 4 April. 

Discover the story of definitive stamps, from the very first design to today. 

Definitive stamps are everyday stamps, which in the UK feature the reigning King or Queen. This year, a new monarch will feature on stamps for the first time in 70 years.   

See some of the rarest and most valuable British stamps from the reigns of six monarchs and explore over 180 years of iconic design in this special exhibition.  

Find out how stamps and royal cyphers are developed and produced and how monarchs influence these designs, shaping their own royal identity through everyday objects.  

Exhibition highlights include:

A sheet of Edward VII ‘Tyrian Plum’ stamps, one of only two in the world.
Printing proofs showing how the first ever stamp, the famous Penny Black, was developed.
Artwork showing how royal cyphers from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II have been produced.
Terence Cuneo’s original painting of The Flying Scotsman, used in the 1985 ‘Famous Trains’ commemorative stamp release.

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