1c Dark Yellow Green, Chapman Overprint (R158A). Rich color, light strike of handstamp cancel at upper right leaves entire design clearly visible, sealed tear at right center, perf repair at top right, light vertical crease

FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT CHAPMAN OVERPRINT. ONLY EIGHTEEN COPIES ARE RECORDED IN TOTAL. ONE OF THE GREATEST REVENUE RARITIES.

According to Scott Catalogue, the 1c Trans-Mississippi was overprinted by the Purvis Printing Company with federal government approval. They were ordered by L. H. Chapman of the Chapman Steamboat Line, which operated freight-carrying steamboats along the Erie Canal. Only 250 stamps were produced; additionally, 250 were printed reading "I.R./P.I.D. & Son", for P.I. Daprix & Son, which served different ports along the same waterway.

In his privately published census, Larry Lyons records fourteen copies (thirteen used) of Scott R158A. We are aware of two additional used examples and two additional unused copies, for a total of eighteen.

With 2005 P.S.E. certificate.

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