Lot 576
1864, 2¢ Rose Vermilion, Bisected, tied by negative "HI" cancel on unsealed buff cover addressed to Albert Wilcox, Hanalei, Kauai, Fine and exceptionally rare; with 2008 P.F. certificate.Scott No. 31b Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
A RARE USE OF THE 2¢ ROSE VERMILION BISECT USED TO PREPAY THE INTER-ISLAND PRINTED MATTER RATE.
This cover was perhaps sent during the brief period when 2¢ vermilion bisects were authorized to make up the new 6¢ convention rate to the U.S. effective July 1870. The 6¢ stamps were not available until late Spring 1871, and so the rate was made up using three 2¢ stamps. As the supply of 2¢ stamps dwindled, the post office permitted bisects to be used with 5¢ stamps for the 6¢ rate. A note accompanying the cover indicated this was found in the old Homestead at Waioli in 1893 among letters of 1865-76. As a domestic letter, there was no authority to bisect the 2¢ stamp. However, if the note is to be believed, this cover exemplifies an authorized bisect use.
Realized: $575