| Basel Dove | |
|---|---|
| Country of production | Switzerland |
| Location of production | Basel |
| Date of production | 1 July 1845 |
| Nature of rarity | Extremely rare |
| Number in existence | Unknown |
| Face value | 2½ rappen |
| Estimated value | CHF 18,000 CHF 37,500 on cover |
The Basel Dove is a notable stamp issued by the Swiss canton of Basel. It was issued on 1 July 1845[1] with a value of 2½-rappen and was the only stamp issued by Basel. At the time each canton was responsible for its own postal service and there were no uniform postal rates for Switzerland until after the establishment of a countrywide postal service on 1 January 1849. The only other cantons to issue their own stamps were Zürich and Geneva.
The stamp, designed by the architect Melchior Berri, featured a white embossed dove carrying a letter in its beak, and was inscribed "STADT POST BASEL". The stamp is printed in black, crimson and blue, making it the world's first tri-coloured stamp.[1] It was valid for use until 30 September 1854, by which time 41,480 stamps had been printed.[2]
The stamp has been forged.
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