St. Louis, Missouri, 10c Black on Gray Lilac (11X5). Types II/III, Positions 4/6, vertical pair, large margins all around, neat single line pen cancel, completely sound

EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND EXTREMELY RARE LARGE-MARGINED SOUND PAIR OF THE 10-CENT ST. LOUIS POSTMASTER’S PROVISIONAL ON GRAY LILAC PAPER. A MAGNIFICENT SHOWPIECE.

The St. Louis “Bears” were issued by Postmaster John M. Wimer from November 1845 until the first United States General Issue became available in July 1847. The stamps were issued in three denominations -- 5c, 10c and 20c -- and were sold at a premium over face value to pay the costs of printing. All of the stamps were printed from a single copper plate of six subjects (2 x 3) engraved by J. M. Kershaw. The plate underwent two significant modifications. Philatelists identify each state of the plate as Plates 1, 2 and 3, but in fact the same piece of metal was used in each state. The different states of the plate reflect the substitution of two of the three 5c denominations in the left column for 20c denominations, and back again to three 5c. The right column, as demonstrated by this pair, was never altered and remained as 10c denominations throughout the life of the plate. Each engraving of the 10c design differs slightly, particularly in the lines underneath “Post Office” at bottom, which aids in identifying positions.

With 1985, 2007 and 2014 P.F. certificates. Scott value $29,000.00

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