Special Jubilee Auction #203 - Euro (€)

1843 Bulls Eyes 90r black, extraordinary block of five together with 30 Reis single, used together on flap of commercial business letter from Rio de Janeiro 23 December 1843 to Bahai, sent by the vessel "IMPERATRIZ", stamps cancelled on arrival by double-ring CORREIO DA BAHIA / DEZR. 29 1843 cds (RHM P-BA-04), three stamps split on opening as they were used to seal the back, enclosed letter mentions sending bills within for Rs. 3000 and Rs. 5000 together with accompanying letter, which accounts for the exceptionally high rate for 16 oitavas (about 2 ounces) by ship, totalling 480 reis.

The block of 90reis is the second composite plate, state C. The letter is addressed to Joaquim Jozé Duarte Silva, a well known firm with connections to Lisbon and London, acting as agents to Almeida Costa & Co.

This represents the highest surviving franking of the Bull's Eye issue. See RHM Vol. 1 page 78.

Estimate: ? 300'000 - ? 500'000