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The Six-and-a-Quarter Cent Rate
Per the Act of Congress passed April 9, 1816, a single-sheet letter traveling less than 30 miles would be rated at 6 cents (United States Statutes at Large).
However, a small number of covers posted 1816 – 1845 show the rate of 6 ¼ cents. This unusual rate comes from the Spanish real, used in some parts of the US and the Republic of Texas through the mid-19th century. One real was 1/8th of a Spanish silver dollar, or 12 ½ cents US. Half of this denomination, the ‘medio real’ or ‘picayune’, was valued at 6 ¼ cents US. The division of the silver dollar into ‘pieces of eight’ could also be called ‘bits’. Hence, 2 bits would make a 25 cent quarter, and a half bit would represent 6 ¼ cents. (American Stampless Cover Catalog, “The 6-¼¢ Rate”)
In regions where medio real or half bit coinage was in common use, the 6 ¼ rate was considered a ‘rate of convenience,’ as it conveniently matched a denomination that customers would have readily available. The postmaster would write the rate of payment on the cover at the amount paid to simplify the exchange.
Shortages of circulating coinage, particularly during recessions like the Panic of 1837, resulted in banknotes bearing the 6 ¼ rate.
About the Census
This long-overdue census has not been completed by any postal historian/organization to our knowledge. We felt a need to compile as complete a listing as possible, understanding that a response will occur to the census post-publication which will add a few/many more to the census. We look forward to the additional responses.
It should be noted we expected a minimal number of covers (under 15) and were taken aback by the response by numerous postal historians that combed through their collections for these elusive rate covers. The collectors who submitted covers for the census are noted as Contributors in the census.
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D. O. Blood & Co., Philadelphia Pa., (3c) Black on Grayish, “D.O.B. & Cos.” Initials (15L4).
Full to large margins, tied by blue “Philadelphia Pa. Sep. 22” circular datestamp with matching “5” in double-circle handstamp on folded cover to New York City street address, receipt docketing confirms 1845 year date.
EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST TIED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE BLOOD’S FIRST STRIDING
MESSENGER ISSUE WITH MANUSCRIPT CONTROL MARK.
The Striding Messenger stamp, issued in 1843 by the Philadelphia Despatch Post and adopted by D. O. Blood & Co., is the first pictorial stamp in the world. It depicts a gargantuan letter carrier — the “City Despatch Post” bag slung over his shoulder — stepping over the Merchant’s Exchange Building, which housed Philadelphia’s post office.
Illustrated in Chronicle (No. 220, p. 318). Ex German Sale, Brown, Hurd, Hall and Jarrett
2019-06-26 2019 Rarities of the World Sale 1205
U.S.P.O., Philadelphia Pa., 1c Blue (7LB12). Ample to large margins, extraordinary dark shade and intense impression, tied by red star cancel, “Downington Pa.” dateless circle handstamp on folded letter datelined “Downington Novr. 11th 1852” to local Philadelphia attorney at 981
⁄4 South 4th Street, manuscript “Paid”, Extremely Fine, this stamp is rarely found tied on cover, the use from Downington is believed to be unique, ex Gibson and Kuphal, with 2007 P.F. certificate.
American Letter Mail Co., (5c) Blue on Gray (5L3). Position 13, ample margins to mostly clear at right, tied by manuscript “DB” cancel on June 7, 1845 folded letter from Philadelphia to New York, red “Forwarded By American Mail Co. No. 101 Chestnut St. Philada.” in circle with matching “Paid” straightline handstamp.
EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF TWO TIED EXAMPLES AMONG THE TWELVE RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE RARE BLUE EAGLE STAMP OF AMERICAN LETTER MAIL COMPANY.
This use of the rare Blue Eagle stamp probably occurred soon before the independent mail firms were effectively abolished by the government. On July 1, 1845, the postage rate for distances under 300 miles was reduced to 5c per half-ounce. By the same Act of Congress, Federal law prohibited the carrying of letters by private companies between cities where the Post Office Department offered inter-city mail service. American Letter Mail Company, which had aroused popular support for cheaper domestic postage, was a catalyst for the 1845 legislation. However, it could no longer sustain its fight with the government over mail routes and closed on June 30, 1845.
The Large Eagle stamp in Blue is recorded on covers dated from August 1844 through June 1845, with about half of the reported covers addressed to Hopkins & Weston in New York. The Blue and Black color scheme for the American Letter Mail Co. Large Eagle stamps, which lack a denomination (unlike their predecessor issue, the Small Eagle), may have been modeled upon Great Britain’s 1840 Penny Black and Two-Pence Blue. The Blue stamp was used for the single rate, but its original purpose might have been to pay a double rate.
Ex Perry, Schwartz and “Gordon N. John”.
2019-06-26 2019 Rarities of the World Sale 1205
