This is a classic Great Britain 1d Penny Red stamp, featuring the profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Charles Heath and based on the design by William Wyon. The stamp shows the check letters I – E in the lower corners for identification. Issued between 1854 and 1857, these stamps were line-engraved and perforated (unlike the earlier imperforate Penny Reds of 1841–1854). The example here bears a barred numeral cancellation (number 312), which was assigned to Maidstone, Kent in postal use.

The Penny Red succeeded the Penny Black and was used extensively for everyday mail in Victorian Britain. Collectors particularly prize these issues for their corner lettering, plate varieties, and cancellations.