5c Red Brown (1). Huge top margin showing frameline of adjoining stamp, full to large on other sides, intermediate impression, tied by bold black "Philadelphia Pa. Oct. 22" (ca. 1852) post-demonetization circular datestamp on blue envelope to New York City, large part of top backflap removed, light staining and small cover tear at top, stamp has tiny tear in top margin at right

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE DEMONETIZED USE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 FROM PHILADELPHIA.

The 1847 Issue was demonetized when the new 1851 Issue was released on July 1; however, based on surviving examples, major post offices evidently tolerated sporadic late use of 1847 stamps, at least for a period of time. This cover shows the 5c cancelled by the Philadelphia datestamp in black, a color of ink used only after 1851. The earliest possible date of use is October 22, 1852, long after demonetization. The Alexander census of post-demonetization 1847 covers (Chronicle 174) lists 69 examples, including four from Philadelphia.

Illustrated in U.S. Classics Society Silver Anniversary Booklet (p. 30) and Baker's U.S. Classics (p. 180). Ex Gibson, Hart, Boker and Gross.

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