MEXICO, 1864, 4r Green, Eagle (24). "Veracruz 38. 1866" overprint, full to large margins, tied by "Franqueado Vera Cruz Abril 15" circular datestamp, used with pair of France 1860 80c Napoleon (20), large margins except touched at top, scissors cut and crease, tied by anchor in diamond maritime cancel, partly readable "1 Mexique 1 15 Avril 66" octagonal datestamp and "P.P." framed handstamp on folded cover to the Vice Consul of Spain at Matamoros, slight wear and faint toning around edges

VERY FINE. A FABULOUSLY RARE MIXED-FRANKING COVER AND POSSIBLY THE ONLY COMBINATION OF THE MEXICAN 4-REALES EAGLE AND FRENCH IMPERFORATE NAPOLEON ISSUES EXTANT.

The few known covers bearing Mexican and French stamps during this period typically have a Mexico 2-reales stamp. This 4-reales double-rate usage is exceedingly rare (see Mexican Maritime Mail, Schimmer and Heath, p. 122-129).

With 2005 MEPSI certificate

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