Basel Dove
Switzerland · 1845 · 2½ rappen
The Basel Dove is a notable stamp issued by the Swiss canton of Basel in 1845. The design features a white dove embossed in the center, carrying a letter in its beak, set against a background of light blue and crimson. It is renowned for being the world's first tri-color stamp, utilizing black, crimson, and blue ink in its printing process.
Issued by the canton of Basel before the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system in 1849, this stamp is a key piece of Swiss cantonal philately. Its innovative multi-color design was a significant technical achievement for its time.
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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.
