1855 Spanish Antilles Cuba 2 Reales Isabella II Large Stamp Multiple – Remainder Cancel
1855 Spanish Antilles Cuba 2 Reales Isabella II Large Stamp Multiple – Remainder Cancel
1855 Spanish Antilles 2 Reales Plata Fuerte – Isabella II Large Stamp Multiple
An unusual surviving large multiple of the classic 2 Reales Plata Fuerte Isabella II issue for the Spanish Antilles, dating to the mid-1850s and associated with the early postal issues used in Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Printed in orange-red/brown and featuring the portrait of Queen Isabella II of Spain, the stamps bear the inscriptions “CORREOS” and “2 Rs PLATA F.”
The piece survives as a large imperforate sheet fragment containing portions of approximately nine stamp impressions.
A prominent heavy black line runs vertically through the multiple. This is consistent with the pen or line cancellations documented on obsolete remainders of these early Spanish Antilles issues that were later released to the philatelic market.
The exact printing is attributed to the 1855 2 Reales issue, commonly cataloged as Cuba Scott #4, but this attribution has not been expertized or certified.
The piece is in distressed historic condition, with a major vertical split/tear, irregular and incomplete outer stamps, edge losses, toning, age-related wear and apparent paper backing or adhesion on the reverse. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.
Despite its condition, this is a visually striking survivor from the earliest period of adhesive postage in the Spanish Caribbean and an interesting piece for a specialized collection of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Spanish Antilles, Isabella II, classic stamps, or 19th-century postal history.
Details
Country/Area: Spanish Antilles – Cuba/Puerto Rico
Era: Mid-19th century
Attributed Year: 1855
Denomination: 2 Reales Plata Fuerte
Portrait: Queen Isabella II of Spain
Format: Large imperforate multiple / sheet fragment
Catalog Attribution: Cuba Scott #4
Cancellation: Heavy black line / probable remainder cancellation
Condition: Distressed, as shown
Quantity: One multiple sheet fragment
The exact item pictured is the item you will receive.
CONDITION
Poor / distressed historic condition.
Major vertical split, incomplete stamps at the outer edges, edge losses, toning and general age-related wear. Apparent backing or adhered paper is present on the reverse.
Sold as found. No restoration has been attempted.