30c State (O66). Well-centered with right sheet selvage, tied by large cork cancel, "Washington D.C. Jul. 20 5PM" (1877) circular datestamp on legal-size linen-lined cover to the Hon. William M. Merrick in Baltimore Md., "(Unite)d States Consulate Genl., Mexico City" imprint ("Genl" and "Mexico City" in manuscript), red "DEPARTMENT OF STATE" straightline handstamp and blue oval Jul. 20, 1877 datestamp, large green "U.S. Consulate General, City of Mexico" seal on back, Baltimore receiving backstamp, reduced and faulty at left, some other edge faults, still quite presentable

ONE OF EIGHT RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE 30-CENT STATE DEPARTMENT STAMP, OF WHICH ONLY TWO ARE USED ALONE. ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING HIGH-VALUE OFFICIAL COVERS.

In his article "High Value Official Stamps on Cover" (Chronicle 188, Nov. 2000, pp. 287-299), Alan C. Campbell lists seven 30c State Department covers, including five bearing other values. This cover is No. 29 in the Campbell census. The 2004 Markovits sale catalogue raised the number to eight.

Ex Hughes and Starnes. With 2007 P.F. certificate.

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