1c Blue, Ty. III, Position 99R2 (21 var). The position with the widest breaks of any Type III, choice centering, deep shade, pieces torn away from top and bottom when separated by sender, tied by "Chicago Ill. Oct. 27, 1857" circular datestamp on yellow cover to Exeter Ill., with original enclosure

THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED DATE OF USE OF POSITION 99R2 -- THE ONE-CENT TYPE III -- WHICH THE SCOTT CATALOGUE LISTS SEPARATELY, BOTH IMPERFORATE AND PERFORATED, IN RECOGNITION OF ITS EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTERISTICS.

This cover from the Armitage correspondence is the basis of the Scott-listed Earliest Documented Use of No. 21, Position 99R2, on October 27, 1857. The EDU for any perforated 1c stamp from Plate 2 is July 26, 1857. According to our records, only three covers are known with Position 99R2: a single, ex Ishikawa and Zoellner, a strip containing 99R2, and the Armitage cover offered here. The Scott Catalogue incorrectly states that two covers are known.

Please see Chronicle 199 (August 2003) for an article documenting the Armitage correspondence. With 1999 A.P.S. certificate stating "earliest documented cover". Scott Retail for an off-cover used stamp is $20,000.00

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