3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Position 95R1E, large margins to just clear all around, vivid color, tied by red 7-bar grid, matching "Cincinnati Jul. 1 Paid 3 cts." integral-rate circular datestamp on 1851 folded letter to "J. Fletcher Williams" in Delaware, Ohio, light file fold also ties the stamp, small inconsequential hole on back from removal of wax seal and some mounting adhesive, letter references the new issue of stamps and the new 3-cent coin, the first coin introduced to facilitate postal transactions, which was authorized by the same act of Congress that authorized the 1851 stamps, "I send some postage stamps today -- father yesterday sent you a 3-cent piece."

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN OUTSTANDING AND EXTREMELY RARE FIRST DAY COVER OF THE 1851 3-CENT ORANGE BROWN. THIS IS ONE OF THREE EXAMPLES KNOWN FROM CINCINNATI AND ONE OF ONLY THREE KNOWN WITH CONTENTS REFERENCING THE NEW 1851 ISSUE.

In his census in the 1851 Sesquicentennial book, Wilson Hulme records a total of 43 covers used on July 1, 1851, which is the first day they were valid for postage. First day covers of the 1851 Issue rarely appear at auction.

Ex Roser, Hicks and G.B. Smith. Referenced in Chronicle Nos. 7, 16, 21. Scott value $12,500.00

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