Lot Details

1871, 500 mon pale dull green, middle period printing, plate I, position 32, tied by large "Tokyo Kensazumi" to a cover to Kaso, Bizen Province. Cover slightly reduced at top; thins at centre on reverse (backed). Opened out for display.

First-month usage of the Tokyo datestamp, framed in vermilion "year of the goat 12th month 25th day / Tokyo postal bureau", or Meiji 4.12.25 (5 February 1872). On the address side at lower right, vermilion circular framed hakoba-in "suji" (筋) of the letter box outside the Sujikai gate. This is the latest recorded usage of this hakoba.

A highly desirable Tokyo cover, notable both for its late use of the Sujikai letter box mark and its clear first-month datestamp.

Rate: Exceeding 200 ri = 5 sen, second rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in Dragon Covers, p. 39.

Note: The earliest printing of the 500 mon comprises the shades "greyish yellow-green" and "dull yellow-green". Any other early green shade is classified as "early printing". For comparison, see Dragon Plating Guide, p. 22.