5c Dark Blue, Louisiana Purchase (326). Natural straight edge at right with guideline, tied by "St. Louis Mo. Apr. 29 6:30PM 1904 World's Fair St. Louis" Pre-First Day of Issue slogan machine cancel on legal-size cover to Anglo Austrian Bank in Vienna, Austria, with National Bank of Commerce printed return address, New York backstamp of May 1, vertical file fold well away from stamp and markings

VERY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO PRE-FIRST DAY COVERS WITH THE 5-CENT LOUISIANA PURCHASE ISSUE. IT IS ALSO ONE OF ONLY THREE PRE-FIRST DAY OR FIRST DAY COVERS SENT TO A FOREIGN DESTINATION. THE STAMP PROPERLY PAYS THE 5-CENT U.P.U. RATE. A WONDERFUL RARITY AND A TRUE COMMERCIAL USE.

Alan Berkun's article on the Louisiana Purchase FDCs appeared in First Days on Oct. 15, 2000. His census records only one other use of the 5c prior to the official first day of use of April 30. It is a Mekeel's Stamp Co. corner card cover with the 2c and 3c. The cover offered here, with the stamp properly paying the rate to a foreign destination and sent between two banks, is truly remarkable.

With 1970 AFDCS certificate. Unlisted in Scott, which prices the April 30 first day cover at $22,500.00

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