U.S. & Worldwide Stamps & Postal History
November 1-2, 2017
| Images | Description | Current Bid |
 | Lot #650 ITALIAN STATES Romagna 1859 FL to Bologna, franked on back with vertical pair of 1/2baj black, top stamp being a diagonal half, margins all around, tied by grid cancel, charged "3" (deci) on front, with "Bologna 23 Nov 59" postmark on arrival, v.f., signed Alberto Diena, with 1958 Diena and 2001 Sismondo certificates. This combination of two stamps pay 3/4 baj (equivalent of 3 centesimi of Italy as indicated by the manuscript "3") represents the postage due for an unpaid locally addressed letter, being 50% above the prepaid rate of 2 centesimi instituted on September 9th of 1859. The absence of ¼baj stamp among the issues of the Provisional Government led to the use of this bisected stamp. A rarity, ex-J.C.Morgenthau Sale (Sass.1, €27,500)  Catalog #1,1a Catalog Value $16,250 | Price Realized $4,500.00 |
