Lot Details

1871, 100 mon dark blue, middle period printing, plate II, position 18, slightly touched at left, tied by a large "Osaka Kensazumi" to a cover addressed to Koriyama, Yamato Province.

Alongside, a red framed "Osaka / year of the monkey 5th month 8th day" (Meiji 5.5.8; 13 June 1872). On the reverse, a circular framed hakoba-in "gen" (源) of Genzaemoncho, recorded between Meiji 4 and 8.

The adhesive shows the major variety "right dragon leg missing" (JSCA catalogue value ¥1.5 million).

A striking and desirable example combining a prominent variety with clear postal markings.

Rate: 100 mon (1 sen) up to 25 ri distance, basic weight, second rate period.

Reference: Illustrated in Ichida (1971), p. 93; Dragon Covers, p. 53.