12c Black, Diagonal Half Used as 6c (17a). Bottom left diagonal half, large margins to just in, intense shade and impression, tied across the cut by well-struck "New-York Sep. 9" (1853) circular datestamp on folded cover to Boston, sender's directive "Via Nicaragua", bold strike of red "VIA NICARAGUA/AHEAD OF THE MAILS" in truncated frame handstamp, light horizontal file fold causing small flaws along bottom margin of bisect

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A STUNNING BISECTED USE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE WITH A REMARKABLY CLEAR "VIA NICARAGUA/AHEAD OF THE MAILS" MARKING.

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 (Chronicle 239). This cover was received in New York just three days before the announcement.

Illustrated on page 271 of Volume 2 of Ashbrook's 1c book. Offered in Siegel Sale 203 (lot 384), which featured the Jack Dick collection of 12c 1851-57 covers, including a large number of bisects.

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