3c Ultramarine, 15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Rich colors, tied by dotted grid cancel, red "Providence R.I. Jan. 5" (1870) double-circle datestamp with matching "Paid" in circle on small cover to Athens, Greece, routing instructions "via North German Union Direct", "New York Paid All Direct Jan. 8" transit backstamp, red crayon "8" credit, "P.D." (Paid to Destination) handstamp, red "Bremen Franco" transit, red "Wf 3-1/2" (silbergroschen) German rate notation, Athens receiving backstamp (Gregorian calendar), backflap removed, one-inch edge tear at right not affecting stamps or appearance

VERY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED 1869 15-CENT TYPE II COVERS TO GREECE. A COLORFUL AND EXTRAORDINARY FOREIGN-MAIL USAGE.

The 18c rate to Greece applied to North German Union Direct Mail (the NGU Closed Mail rate was 23c). In July 1870 the rate was reduced to 15c (with a corresponding reduction of the 23c NGU Closed Mail rate to 18c).

Ex Coulter. With 2006 P.F. certificate.

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