Canada has been a member of the Universal Postal Union since 1878. Canada began issuing stamps in 1851. Initially, stamps were issued in denominations of 3, 6 and 12 pence. The design of the lowest denomination stamp, called the Threepenny Beaver, which was designed by Sandford Fleming, shows a beaver in an oval frame. This stamp is considered to be Canada's first postage stamp. In fact, it also became the world's first official postage stamp to feature an animal, although the unofficial 1845 St. Louis Postmaster's Provision shows two bears. The 6 pence stamp features a portrait of Prince Albert, and the 12 pence (1 shilling) stamp features a portrait of Queen Victoria.