Russia Imperial 1857-58 First Issues Arms 10k brown & blue, Mercury type.

First Issues Arms 10k brown & blue, Mercury type.

Russia 1856 10kop za lot, surface printed essay in green, Mercury type, cut square on white bond paper (45:45mm), very fine. A wonderful Imperial rarity, possibly the only one known in this color, ex-Kirchner, Goss, handstamped “P.M.D.” In July 1854, the Director of the Postal Department made an official request to the Council of State for the preparation of postage stamps. The proposed design featuring the head of Mercury was not accepted. Most of the known Mercury essays are cut to shape and affixed to envelopes; only two or three exist with large margins all around Lot condition

Dealer: Cherrystone Auction
Auction Estimate price: 70000.00 US$
(via Philasearch.com: Cherrystone: Specialized Russia - item 13-A201312-4004)

Russia Imperial 1857-58 First Issues Arms 10k brown & blue (Zag. 1)