City Express Post, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Red on Yellow (44L3). Large margins except at upper left corner where slightly torn, but clear of design, vivid color on bright paper, customarily uncancelled, used on bluish folded cover to Woodstock Vt., blue "Philadelphia Pa. -- 12" circular datestamp with attached "10" rate, the cover has been lightly cleaned and pressed (undoubtedly by Caspary)

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE UNIQUE PHILADELPHIA CITY EXPRESS POST RED ON YELLOW STAMP. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LOCAL-POST COVERS IN EXISTENCE AND ONE OF THE WORLD'S RAREST STAMPS.

Although some of the letter is readable on the inside of this cover, there is no date, nor is the Philadelphia datestamp clear enough to determine the month of mailing. Steven M. Roth reported the Type C-62 datestamp as used in 1846-47, which falls into the City Express Post period. As noted in the description for lot 972 in our Golden sale (Sale 817), there are six recorded examples of the Dove stamp in Black on Pink. This Dove stamp in Red on Yellow is unique. It was purchased in the 1957 Caspary sale by Elliott Perry for $2,100 and later sold to Josiah K. Lilly through the Weills of New Orleans (their handstamp is on back). At the Lilly sale held by our firm in 1967, the cover sold for $1,900. It was acquired by Ambassador J. William Middendorf II and sold on his behalf at Christie's Robson Lowe in 1991 for $15,400 (including premium) to David Golden.

Ex Caspary, Perry, Lilly, Middendorf and Golden. With 2002 P.F. certificate not mentioning any stamp faults and stating "It is a genuine usage". Scott value $30,000.00

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