Lot
2866 
Mexico, 1872, Hidalgo imperf, 12c blue, Veracruz, cons 50-73, tied by "Veracruz, Feb 2, 1874" cds (Schatzkes 1753 A) on folded letter sent per Corsica to Havana, Cuba, with bold "3" reales inland Cuba rate handstamp and red crayon "4" British postage paid, British agency "Paid at Veracruz" crown circle handstamp with additional "Vera-Cruz" date stamp on reverse, Very Fine, believed to be the second latest recorded usage of the Veracruz crown circle handstamp, ex-Rosenthal; with 2008 M.E.P.S.I. certificate. Scott No. 82 Estimate $2,500 - 3,500.
By the mid 1870's, the volume of mail out of the British agency at Tampico was down to between 1,000-2,000 pieces, while Veracruz was handling even less. Because of low volume the Veracruz agency was closed in 1874 and Tampico in 1876. This is one of the latest usages through the British agency at Veracruz.