1c-5c Trans-Mississippi (285-288). Two each of 2c and 5c, tied by four strikes of "Camden N.J. Jun. 17 6PM 98 Recd" First Day of Issue circular datestamp on registered 4c Carmine entire (U324) to Nilgiri Hills, Ootacamund, India, New York registry label also ties one 2c stamp, backstamps include New York (Jun. 18), Sea Post Office (Jul. 10), and receiving (Jul. 11), 4c and 5c stamps tiny flaws, reduced at left

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI FIRST DAY COVER BEARING THE FIRST FOUR VALUES AND SENT BY REGISTERED MAIL TO INDIA. THIS IS THE ONLY SUCH COMBINATION.

The Trans-Mississippi Exposition was open to the public from June 1 to November 1, 1898. The stamps were not ready in time for the opening, and the official First Day of Issue was June 17.

First Day covers with the Trans-Mississippi Issue are rare. The following quantities are recorded or estimated by Henry Scheuer: 1c: 4-5 used alone (plus 4 in combination); 2c: 12+ used alone (plus 3 in combination); 4c: One used alone (plus 3 in combination); 5c: One used alone (plus 3 in combination). Combinations on First Day Covers (one known of each): a) 1c and 2c; b) 1c, 2c, 4c, 5c (the cover offered here); c) 1c, 4c, 5c (offered in lot 93); and d) 1c, 2c, 4c, 5c, 8c, 10c (offered in lot 91).

Ootacamund, India, is currently called Ooty and is in the state of Tamil Nadu. It came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 1700s. It was a popular summer destination, and was the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.

Ex Berkun. With 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott value $75,000.00 E. 10,000-15,000

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables