1871, 200 mon vermilion, early printing, plate I, position 3, with official pinhole at upper right, tied by large "Yodo Eki Kensazumi", with framed vermilion "Yodo station" alongside, on a cover from Yodo, Yamashiro Province, to Sano, Izumi Province.

On reverse, manuscript dateline "9th month 8th day sent" of Meiji 5.9.8 (10 October 1872). Transit mark in vermilion framed "Senshu / postal receiving and handling agency / Kaizuka". Senshu is an old alternative name for Izumi Province.

A highly attractive and uncommon cover, especially notable for the combination of the large Yodo Eki Kensazumi and the matching station handstamp.

Rate: 2 sen up to 50 ri distance, basic weight, second rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Covers, p. 73.