10c Black, Diagonal Half Used as 5c (2a). Top left diagonal half, large margins, well tied across the cut by red grid cancel, matching "New-Haven Ct. 5 Jun." circular datestamp on 1851 City Bank of New Haven folded notice to Birmingham Conn., some internal splits not affecting the outside of the cover, fresh in every respect

EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB DIAGONAL BISECT OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE, USED TO PAY THE 5-CENT UNDER-300 MILES RATE JUST A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO DEMONETIZATION OF THE 1847 ISSUE.

Effective July 1, 1851, the basic letter rate was reduced to 3c for domestic letters sent up to 3,000 miles. New stamps were issued to accommodate the new rates, and the old stamps were demonetized and invalid for postage after June 30, 1851. This letter was sent June 5, 1851, less than a month prior to demonetization.

Ex Caspary

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