Lot 83
St. Louis, Mo., 1846, 20¢ black on gray lilac (11X6), type I, position 1, ample to large margins except barely shaving outer frame line at upper right, rich unmistakable shade, cancelled by unobtrusive pen squiggle and tied by red "St. Louis Mo. Jun. 26" c.d.s. on double rate 1846 folded letter to Charnley & Whelen of Philadelphia, matching "Paid" handstamp and manuscript "20", Very Fine and rare.
Scott $27,500
Expertization: 1981 P.F. Certificate incorrectly calling this the far rarer 11X3.
Provenance: Colson stock
This cover was the source of much study. Until 1981, the stamp had been described as the gray lilac (11X 6). Then in 1981, the Philatelic Foundation issued a certificate declaring the item to be a 20¢ on greenish. However with this unique opportunity to review 100 plus Bears at one time, we came to the conclusion the stamp indeed is on gray lilac.
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| Realized $32,500 |
