Switzerland 'Double Geneva' 5+5 Centimes
Switzerland · 1843 · 5+5 Centimes
The 'Double Geneva' is one of the earliest stamps from the Swiss canton of Geneva. It consists of two halves, each bearing the Geneva coat of arms and a denomination of 5 centimes, joined by a band inscribed '10. PORT CANTONAL Cent.'. This innovative design allowed it to be used as a single 10c stamp for cantonal mail or cut in half to pay the 5c rate for local mail within the city.
Issued in 1843, this stamp is a classic from the pioneering era of philately, released just three years after Great Britain's Penny Black. It represents the period before Swiss federal unification when individual cantons managed their own postal systems.
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View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.