Lot
532 
Sicily, 1859 Ferdinand II 50g dark brown red, tied in combination with 20gr slate grey by horseshoe cancels on 1860 folded cover from Palermo (20 May) to Paris, paying the double rate to France for 15 grams, red circular entry stamp for France, adhesive both with four margins, Extremely Fine; with 1983 En. Diena and 2002 Colla certificates. Scott Nos. 18 $115,000. Sassone Nos. 14+13; €220,000 ($270,600) Estimate $10,000 - 15,000.
AN EXTREMELY RARE USAGE OF THE 50 GRANA ON LETTER IN OUTSTANDING QUALITY ON A MOST ATTRACTIVE COVER, WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF CLASSIC SICILY RECORDED.
One of 4 known covers bearing the 20 gr + 50 gr combination franking, two of which were directed to France and two to Naples. The second cover to France franked with the 50gr chocolate shade in a similar quality, sold for €34,000 in a Corinphila Auction of November 2016
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Realized: $21,000