5 oz 1990 Isle of Man Silver Penny Black NGC Gem Proof Silver Coin

Coins and stamps rarely make front-page headlines, but on May 1, 1840, Great Britain introduced the world to postage stamps by issuing the "Penny Black" stamp, with a value of one penny.

It shows a young Queen Victoria and was an instant hit with the public.

150 years later, in 1990, this five-ounce 999 silver proof coin was issued to celebrate the anniversary of the Penny Black stamp.

At the Coin of the Year Awards in 1990, this design walked off with an unprecedented three awards, including "Coin of the Year."

The obverse features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the words "Elizabeth II Isle of Man 1990".

The reverse features the design from the penny Black 1 Penny postage and the words "Penny Black 150th Anniversary Crown".

The background between the postage stamp and circular border features a "linen" like texture.

Only 5,000 1990 Five-Ounce Penny Black Silver Proofs were struck.