12c Black, Diagonal Half Used as 6c (17a). Bottom left diagonal half, large margins, tied by "New-York Sep. 9" (1853) circular datestamp on blue cover to Providence R.I., clear strike of red "VIA NICARAGUA/AHEAD OF THE MAILS" octagonal handstamp, some slight cover wear and tiny insignificant tear at top right

VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE BISECTED USE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE, CANCELLED JUST THREE DAYS BEFORE BISECTED STAMPS WERE DEEMED INVALID FOR POSTAGE.

According to research by James Allen, the 1st Assistant PMG's first official notice to postmasters that bisected stamps were invalid was published on September 12, 1853.

With 1988 P.F. certificate. Pencil note by Bartels stating he found this as part of a correspondence in 1926.

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