Switzerland 1843 Double Geneva

Switzerland · 1843 · 5+5 Centimes

The Double Geneva is a cantonal issue from the Canton of Geneva, released before the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system. The stamp features the coat of arms of Geneva, an eagle and a key, within an escutcheon, and is notable for its unique se-tenant design, consisting of two 5 centimes stamps joined together. The inscription reads "Poste de Genève" at the top and "Port Cantonal" below.

Issued in 1843, this was the fifth postage stamp ever issued worldwide and the first in Switzerland, following Great Britain's Penny Black. It was designed for local postage within the Canton of Geneva, with a single stamp used for intra-city mail and the pair used for mail within the canton.