Russia
February 11, 2009
| Images | Description | Current Bid |
 | Lot #6 RUSSIA 10k ESSAY 1856 10kop za lot, surface printed essay in green, Mercury type, cut square on white bond paper (45:45mm), very fine. A wonderful Imperial rarity, possibly the only one known in this color, ex-Kirchner, Goss, handstamped "P.M.D." In July 1854, the Director of the Postal Department made an official request to the Council of State for the preparation of postage stamps. The proposed design featuring the head of Mercury was not accepted. Most of the known Mercury essays are cut to shape and affixed to envelopes; only two or three exist with large margins all around E | Price Realized $95,000.00 |
 | Lot #7 RUSSIA 10k ESSAY 1856 cancellation trial of a hollow star surrounded by concentric rings of dots, the unique die essay in black on wove paper (64:46mm), v.f., handstamped "P.M.D" in red on reverse This trial cancellation was applied to both Mercury and Eagle type essays affixed on envelopes, ex-Liphschutz E | Price Realized $27,000.00 |
