Millbury, MA Provisional (7X)
See below for details
Basic Info
5¢
Black on bluish paper
Printing Method: Typography from a woodcut die
Scott #: 7X1
Surviving copies: 8 on cover, 3 on piece, 8 off cover
Value
Used off cover
$23,000
Covers
There are nine known covers, three singles on piece, and five single stamps. The example above sold for $60,000 in 2024
The Story Behind the Stamp
Two images of Asa Holman Waters, the Millbury postmaster from 1836 to 1848.
Waters received his postmaster’s appointment from Andrew Jackson on January 18, 1836 and served at Millbury's postmaster until 1848. The provisional stamp was issued in 1846 when the Millbury population was 2,500. Waters deputy, Henry Waterman was the force behind the provisional stamp, he became the postmaster in 1848.
The Forgery
A late 19thC forgery
Provisionals
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