St. Louis, MO Provisional (11X)
See below for details
The Story Behind the Stamp
The great seal of Missouri
The design of the stamp is a representation of the great seal of Missouri, shown above. All the denominations were produced from a single engraved copper plate of six images. The 20¢ design being substituted for two of the 5¢ images for a limited period of time to produce sufficient stamps of that value.
It was issued by postmaster John Wimer and in use for eighteen months, although not popular with the public. Two local companies were the primary purchasers of the stamp who used the for business correspondence.
The earliest date of use was November 13th, 1845. It continued in use through to June 1845. The thin and fragile pelure paper was first used on February 26th, 1846.
The Plate
Variations of the copper plate
The largest known multiple, a se-tenant group on gray lilac wove paper, from the 2nd state of the plate
Notable Sales
11x2. Vertical pair, types II and III, margins ample to huge, tied by single pen stroke to 1845 folded letter to Philadelphia (Charnley & Whelen correspondence), red "St. Louis Mo. Dec 4" datestamp with matching "Paid", manuscript "20" rate
Sold January 2023 for $13,000
Explore H.R. Harmer's Auctions
11X1
5¢ on greenish wove paper
11X1 Value
Off cover
$8,500 - $9,000
On cover
$20,000 - $35,000
11X2
10¢ on greenish wove paper
11X2 Value
Off cover used
$6,200 - $9,600
Off cover unused
$16,000
On cover
$27,000 - $14,000
11X3
20¢ on greenish wove paper
11X3 Value
Off cover used
$160,000
On cover
$325,000
11X4
5¢ on gray lilac wove paper
11X4 Value
Off cover used
$20,000
On cover
-
11X5
10¢ on gray lilac wove paper
11X5 Value
Off cover used
$6,000 - $8,000
On cover
$20,000
11X6
20¢ on gray lilac wove paper
11X6 Value
Off cover used
$27,000 - $28,000
On cover
$30,680
11X7
5¢ on bluish pelure paper
11X7 Value
Off cover used
$5,600 - $8,400
On cover
$10,620
11X8
10¢ on bluish pelure paper
11X8 Value
Off cover used
$11,200 - $31,860
On cover
$18,500
Provisionals
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