Lot 1807 o
1861, 1¢ blue, clearly struck blue "Baltimore, Md., Aug 17, 1861" town cancel, rich bright color, sealed tear at bottom not mentioned on certificate, Fine appearance, pictured in Evans The United States 1¢ Franklin 1861-67 (pages 6 & 153), ex-V. Morris; with 1996 P.F. certificate.Scott No. 63 Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
THE EARLIEST RECORDED USAGE OF THE 1861 1¢ FRANKLIN ISSUE.
On August 16, 1861, the first delivery of the new issues were accepted by the stamp agent of the Post Office Department and distribution followed shortly thereafter. It is accepted that the first day of usage was the following day as the Baltimore Post Office ran an advertisement that day stating they were prepared at that time to exchange old envelopes and stamps for the new issues. This 1¢ stamp and a 3¢ stamp on cover used from Baltimore Post Office on August 17, 1861 indicates that this was one of the first offices to receive and distribute the new 1861 issues.
Realized: $2,000