As an independent nation, Jamaica has been a member of the Universal Postal Union since 1963. Shortly after control was established, British postage stamps ceased to be used and De La Rue was commissioned to produce postage stamps for Jamaica featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a laurel wreath. The first issue consisted of stamps in five denominations, ranging from one penny to one shilling (with each stamp having a different frame), with the inscription "Jamaica Postage" ("Jamaica Postage") and with a pineapple watermark. The stamps were first issued on November 23, 1860. Additional stamps in this series appeared until the end of the century.