This is a Penny Red stamp of the United Kingdom, issued between 1854 and 1857. It features the classic profile of Queen Victoria, engraved by Charles Heath and based on the earlier 1840 Penny Black design by William Wyon. This particular example is perforated, replacing the earlier imperforate issues. The corner letters “R–H” identify the exact position of the stamp on the printed sheet. The design includes an intricate engine-turned background and side star ornaments, which served as anti-forgery measures. The Penny Red was the workhorse stamp of Victorian Britain, widely used for everyday correspondence. Collectors prize it for its many plate varieties and postmark types.