Lot
4065 
Australian States: New South Wales, 1861 (Apr. 17) Sydney, New South Wales to San Francisco Cal., datelined folded letter bearing New South Wales, 6d violet (40), some per flaws, tied by "N.S.W." barred oval duplexed with "Sydney, AP17 '61" cds, carried as endorsed by ship Alcyone via Pacific Ocean, entered mail with "San Francisco Cal. Jul 3, 1861" cds and matching bold "Ship 5" rating handstamp (earliest recorded example); cover wear, F.-V.F. Estimate $500 - 750.
In 1861, the anomaly that letters sent beyond the port of entry were charged less than those to the port of entry was corrected. Now the rate to port of entry was 5¢; the rate beyond was domestic postage plus 2¢ captain's concession.
Illustrated in "Letters of Gold" by Coburn on p. 339.