Lot
4139 
1867, 15¢ black, F. grill, tied by blue four-rings target cancel duplexed with partial "Penn Yan, N.Y. Feb 24" double-circle datestamp on 1870 cover to Paris, France, red "New York Paid All, Br. Transit, Feb 26" exchange cds and matching large "8" handstamp credit to G.B., red "London, Paid, 9 MR 70" transit cds and matching "PD" in oval handstamp, Calais (3.10); reverse with Paris (3.10) arrival backstamp and notation of receipt in "Rome - March 15/70" after forwarding by Munroe & Co.; small edge tear at left, Very Fine and colorful. Scott No. 98 Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE 1868 GRILLED ISSUE EXAMPLE OF THE PHANTOM RATE TO FRANCE SHOWING THE 8¢ CREDIT TO ENGLAND.
Following the expiration of the U.S.-France mail treaty on December 31, 1869, the New York postmaster was aware of and sometimes employed an unannounced fully-prepaid rate to France of 12¢ with 8¢ credit to England (published in the foreign postage tables for Algeria). The 12¢ rate applied only until July 1st, when it was reduced to 10¢. As usual, the sender of this cover may have prepaid it for the expired 15¢ treaty rate (3¢ overpayment). Most Phantom rate covers are prepaid with the 1869 or 1870 Issue.
Realized: $3,000