Lot 22965 – The spectacular and unique 390 Lepta franking 20 Lep

The spectacular and unique 390 Lepta franking

1871-72 20 Lep blue, two strips of five + two strips of four + single + 10 Lep single, all tied by scarce SKIATHOS cds’s on cover front sent 1872 (Sep 22) to Napoli, there are a few faults as expected but the whole is full of character and must be one of the most important & spectacular frankings of Greek Philately; outstanding exhibition showpiece & one of the highest Large Hermes Heads frankings recorded.

Rate: 390 Lepta, being triple weight registered, valid from 1865. (3×65 Lepta = 195 Lepta triple weight simple letter. The general regulation for all registered letters was for these to be charged with double the amount due for simple ones. Although the 1865 treaty between Greece and Italy provided for a 55 Lepta universal registration fee, it seems that in this case this was overseen and the general rule of double postage was applied.